TWO third year pupils at Hermitage Academy have been praised by teachers and residents after coming to the aid of a member of the public who had collapsed in the street.

Harrison Carmichael and Luke Godwin, both 14, were stopped in their tracks after spotting the stricken woman in difficulty on Monday, March 11 while out cycling along Station Road, near Craigendoran.

The boys left their bikes to find a neighbour and waited by the side of the resident whilst an ambulance was phoned, providing a blanket and umbrella to ensure they were kept warm and dry throughout the trauma.

The pair also used first aid training techniques picked up through the Duke of Edinburgh Award to keep the situation under control, waiting 45 minutes for emergency services to arrive and contacting the woman’s partner.

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The Helensburgh secondary school revealed they had received a grateful phone call from a witness to the incident, who was keen to commend the youngsters for their thoughtful approach.

Harrison said: “The person was clearly in excruciating pain and I was concerned that we needed to act quickly to ensure the persons safety.”

Luke added: “I was relieved when the ambulance arrived and to see that the woman was taken away in the safe hands of the paramedics.

“I’m glad I’d received first aid training and that I had the chance to put it into practice.”

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Paramedics at the scene identified that the woman already had a serious injury prior to the fall, before taking her to A and E and thanking the boys for their help.

Derek Munro, acting head of S3, was proud of his pupils’ act of kindness and their mature and responsible attitude.

He said: “The neighbour had contacted the school on Tuesday morning to let me know what had happened.

“She was very impressed with Harrison and Luke’s efforts and commented on how well they took control of the situation.

“I took the opportunity to speak to both boys and their parents and let them know how impressed the school was with their actions.”