Laois teens win awards for saving schoolmate's life

TWO Laois teenagers who saved a schoolmate’s life have won Schools Heroes Awards for their remarkable efforts and courage.

The heroic 14-year-olds from St Fergal’s College, Rathdowney were honoured for their lifesaving actions by the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF), the national heart and stroke charity.

First year Emmanuel Collins Begadon and second year MJ Muldowney were among a group of St Fergal’s students who put their IHF CPR 4 Schools training into lifesaving practice, during a frightening emergency on a local river.

The IHF announced today that Emmanuel and MJ have been awarded CPR 4 Schools Heroes Awards for their bravery and quick response.

The St Fergal’s group and a student from another local school were recently involved in a real-life emergency, when one of them got into difficulty while swimming together in a local river.

The water was cold and one of the St Fergal’s students had a suspected seizure on hitting the water.

The IHF said that Emmanuel and MJ acted quickly and decisively and sprang into action. They safely removed their schoolmate from the water and immediately began administering CPR.

Remembering their training, the students ensured their friend was placed in the recovery position and then promptly phoned emergency services. Their calm, swift response helped stabilise the situation until paramedics arrived.

Paramedics who rushed to the scene praised the students for their outstanding efforts and highlighted that their quick thinking and effective use of CPR techniques played a vital role in the positive outcome.

The student who was rescued has made a full recovery and is doing well.

St Fergal’s College principal Carole Devine said: “As a community, all of our staff and pupils are incredibly proud of the heroic actions of the boys who helped save their friend.

“We are all delighted that they are each being recognised for their rapid response, presence of mind and ability to remain calm in such a frightening emergency situation.” 

IHF Resus Manager Brigid Sinnott added that the incident was a powerful reminder of how essential CPR training is, particularly for young people.

She observed: “Through our CPR 4 Schools programme, students gain not only practical skills but also the confidence to act in emergency situations.

“These students are a true example of that in action. This story also shows that we all have the power to save a life.

“We would encourage everyone to learn CPR so that you can take life-saving action when someone needs urgent help. Just like Emmanuel, MJ and their friend did.” 

CPR 4 Schools is a free programme that trains secondary school students all over Ireland in the lifesaving skill of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), a vital initiative aimed at training the next generation of lifesavers in Ireland.

To date, the CPR 4 Schools programme has reached 82 per cent of post-primary schools and over 370,000 students.

It continues to equip thousands of students across the country with the skills needed to respond to cardiac emergencies, helping to create a nation of lifesavers.