Students from St Fergal's College in Rathdowney have been awarded with the honour.
Ireland’s national heart and stroke charity has commended the lifesaving actions of two 14-year-old Laois secondary school students from St Fergal’s College, Rathdowney.
The students recently put their Irish Heart Foundation CPR 4 Schools training into lifesaving practice and have been awarded a CPR 4 Schools Heroes Award for their efforts.
A group of students from St Fergal’s college, and a student from another local school, were involved in a real-life emergency when one of them got into difficulty while swimming together in a local river.
The water in the river was cold and upon hitting the water, one of the St Fergal’s College students had a suspected seizure.
Acting quickly and decisively, first year student Emmanuel Collins Begadon and second year MJ Muldowney sprang into action.
The students safely removed the individual from the water and immediately began administering CPR.
CPR 4 Schools is a free programme that trains post-primary 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.
Remembering their training, the students ensured their friend was placed in the recovery position and promptly phoned emergency services.
Their calm, swift response helped stabilise the situation until paramedics arrived.
The paramedics later 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 of the incident.
The student who was rescued has since made a full recovery and is doing well.
“As a community, all of our staff and pupils at St Fergal’s College are incredibly proud of the heroic actions of the three boys who helped save their friend,” said St Fergal’s College Principal, Carole Devine.
“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.”
In recognition of their bravery and remarkable response, the Irish Heart Foundation presented the students with a Heroes Award.
“This incident is a powerful reminder of how essential CPR training is, particularly for young people,” said Brigid Sinnott, Resus Manager for the Irish Heart Foundation.
“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.”
To date, the CPR 4 Schools programme has reached 82 per cent of post-primary schools in Ireland 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.
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