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 Would you act fast in a critical situation?

9/27/2015

6 Comments

 
PictureGypsy Brae Recreational Ground www.geograph.org.uk
A woman got into difficulties when she entered the water at Gypsy Brae in Edinburgh, Scotland, last weekend. A group of boys were messing around on the shore and noticed her struggling.

They had two options—continue with their game, or take action. Small, weak boys couldn't physically jump into the water and save her. What could they do? The five youngsters, aged between 11 and 12, close to call for help.

Here's a case when a mobile phone serves the utmost purpose.

After the police and coastguard arrived, she was rescued from the water.

A police spokesman commented on the way the incident could have resulted in a tragic ending. He thanked the boys for their swift and conscientious actions.

Apparently, the boys learned these skills through their attendance at the Risk Factory, an initiative designed to equip young people with the ability to use their initiative in crucial situations.

Police Scotland commended them for their bravery, quick thinking, and for demonstrating an outstanding community spirit. As a reward, the boys were taken for a tour of Drylaw police station.

I love stories about children who help other people in times of need. All too often, we hear the reverse. The Risk factory sounds like an excellent way to train youngsters to think out of the box. No need to run and tell someone—take action to save someone's life.

I'll share an incident from 1968, when my family and I lived in South Australia.

On one social event with my husband's workmates, we picnicked on the banks of the Murray River. Everyone in the arty, social group brought food and wine. We sat around in the warm air talking while the children played. I wore my favourite black fedora for sun protection, strap dangling over my chest. Slightly on edge, I wasn't sure I fitted into the friendly group of chatting people from the television station.

Suddenly, a scream pierced the air from the direction of the water's edge. My son pointed into the depths, where his young sister's long blond hair swirled in the current. The closest men rushed into the mighty Murry river's murky water. Joined by her father, they emerged carrying her, and set her on the ground.

She coughed and sat up. “What happened?”

“I saved you,” my seven year-old son said. “You were under the water. I yelled for help.”

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. I couldn't believe such a thing could happen. I'd only looked away for a moment, but that lack of attention could have been fatal.

Have you ever saved someone's life?


6 Comments
Nick #thisyearinmusic link
9/27/2015 10:12:05 am

I'd like to think I would react well, but you never know do you until it happens.

Reply
Amar Naik link
9/27/2015 11:02:08 am

saving someones life is such a precious thing. i have not yet been but hopefully i can be quicker if i face such challenge in future

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Payal Agarwal link
9/27/2015 12:28:52 pm

A thought-provoking post. "Lack of attention can be fatal." Indeed!

Reply
Alana link
9/27/2015 02:08:16 pm

A childhood friend claims I saved her life when we were young. She suffered from a bleeding disorder. She says she started to bleed in class and, when a teacher poo-pooed the need for my friend to get immediate medical attention, I stepped in and insisted, and wouldn't let the matter rest until the teacher called for help. The strange thing is - I don't remember the incident. I would have been about 8 r 9 years old.

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peppylady (Dora) link
9/27/2015 08:39:02 pm

I love story of people helping out others. It doesn't matter how big or small. These youngster delivery around of applause.

Coffee is on

Reply
Debbie D. link
9/27/2015 10:08:02 pm

It's great that some children have the presence of mind to call for help. Glad to know your daughter was similarly rescued.

Reply



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    Francene Stanley
    From England, I use news items in my novels which you can see below, all linked to an Amazon near you.

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