Modest hero is rewarded (From Stroud News and Journal)

Modest hero is rewarded

IT SHOULD have been a routine school bus journey home for schoolboy Matthew Russan.

But when a fellow pupil was left fighting for his life, Matthew sprung into action and went to the youngster's aid.

Yesterday the brave teenager was rewarded for his courage when he received the St John Ambulance First Aider of the Year Award from former EastEnders star Patsy Palmer at London Zoo.

Sam Rigglesworth, 14, owes his life to quick-thinking Matthew from Hardwicke.

Matthew, now 16, but 15 at the time of the incident, took up first aid at the age of six.

He was called into action when Sam, a diabetic, slipped into unconsciousness on his bus journey home from St Peters School in Gloucester.

"He was choking and had swallowed his tongue so I had to clear his airway immediately," said Matthew.

"I managed to get him comfortable and carried him off the bus and to a nearby house where we contacted the ambulance service."

Despite the plaudits Matthew was at pains to play down his bravery.

"It was nothing really and I didn't have time to think about it," he said.

Sam, from Whaddon near Edge, made a full recovery. Nic Suggit, head of training at St John Ambulance, stressed the need for youngsters such as Matthew to have first aid training.

He said: "We believe it is absolutely vital for young people to learn first aid, whether it is at school or youth clubs.

"These awards allow us to honour young people, such as Matthew, who have practised first aid in an emergency situation and to show others how even the most basic knowledge of first aid can help save life."