‘Amazing’ head saves life of four-year-old schoolgirl
A HEADMASTER and his staff saved the life of a four-year-old girl who collapsed and stopped breathing in class.
Bill James performed CPR on pupil Adela Zastreskova after she had a fit caused by a sudden change in body temperature, known as febrile convulsion.
Now the school life-savers are up for a special award.
Mr James was working in his office at St Joseph’s Primary School in Aldershot, Hants, when he heard a commotion.
He said: “Adela was being carried into the reception area by Mrs Lawrence and Mrs Williams, who called for help.
“Adela had gone limp and wasn’t breathing.”
The 52-year-old realised Adela’s heart had stopped and, supported by staff Lorraine Williams and Debbie Flynn, began to give her chest compressions and rescue breaths.
He continued: “I started giving Adela CPR, just as I’d been shown at our St John Ambulance training. Kelly Ralls, our designated first aid lead, helped me by counting chest compressions, while Mrs Flynn called an ambulance.”
After two minutes Adela started to breathe for herself.
“It was a team effort,” added Mr James.
Adela was taken to hospital and given antibiotics. She was discharged a few hours later after the incident in April last year.
Her mother, Petra Simunicova, said: “It was such a terrible situation, not only for Adela but the teachers and everyone involved. I’m just very happy and thankful they knew what to do.”
Mr James and his staff have been nominated for a St John Ambulance Everyday Heroes 2018 award. St John’s trainer Jo Michaelidis said: “They were amazing.”