A seven-year-old girl has been honoured for saving her dad from falling into a diabetic coma.
Ellie Howie, from Kilwinning, helped prevent her dad falling into a diabetic coma after recognising the signs of his low blood sugar levels, and providing him with sugary snacks
The quick-thinking youngster was honoured at the 10th annual Scottish First Aid Awards, hosted by Scotland’s only dedicated first aid charity, St Andrew’s First Aid, last weekend.
Ellie was recognised with a ‘highly commended’ nod in the Young First Aid Hero category.
Nominated by her mum, Ellie was at home with her dad Robert, who is Type 1 diabetic, when she recognised the signs of him becoming dangerously hypoglycaemic – dealing with low blood sugar levels.
Having been taught from an early age of how to act in such situations, Ellie immediately sprung to action by supplying her father with chocolate and a sugary drink before calling for help.
Ellie’s calm and measured approach to delivering life-saving support earned her the highly commended award, with the first prize spot going to Falkirk-based Shannon Lorentson for administering CPR to an unresponsive stranger in Glasgow last year.
Ellie’s mum Denise Alexander said: “We are just extremely proud of Ellie. It would have been a traumatic situation for someone so young, but she didn’t panic.
“If she didn’t manage to get some sugar snacks or call family for help, by the time I arrived home her dad would more than likely have become dangerously unwell.
“Being a first aider with St Andrew’s myself, it just made me so proud that she is learning the value of first aid.
“People do not realise how serious Type 1 Diabetes can be and highlighting the importance of recognising the signs and symptoms of a hypo can help save lives for others too.”
Ayrshire continued to shine at the glittering awards gala as the Ayr & Troon Company scooped gold and were awarded Corps Company of the Year.
The accolade recognises the outstanding achievements of St Andrew’s First Aid Volunteer Corps Companies across the country, with the 37-strong group of volunteers from the Ayr & Troon Company recognised for providing support across Ayrshire events, from football matches and race days at Ayr Racecourse.
Each member also clocked in over 90 hours of volunteer time last year.
Stevan Houldsworth, Corps Commandant at Ayr & Troon Company, said: “We are a small unit of dedicated first aiders who generously volunteer their time and energy into making local events a safe and successful experience.
“I am so proud of each and every one of them, and this award win is a fitting tribute to their hard work and dedication.”
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