Hero Amy wants others to save lives
Politicians hail teenager
A heroic 13- year- old girl who saved a man from dying at the side of a road has called for all pupils in Renfrewshire to learn CPR.
Schoolgirl Amy Holding was walking to a bus stop with a group of friends when she saw a man lying unconscious on the grass at Portessie, Erskine.
Quick- thinking Amy began to perform CPR and, when paramedics arrived, they told Amy her actions had resulted in saving the man’s life.
Now Amy, who attends Park Mains High School, wants all youngsters to be able to save others in danger.
She said: "It would be good for all kids to know what to do because there is not always time to call an ambulance or sometimes you might not have a phone.
"Probably few people my age would know how to do CPR but if they did then they could really help people."
Every year, around 3,500 Scottish people of all ages and backgrounds have resuscitation attempted but currently only 1 in 20 survive.
In areas of the world where bystander CPR is the norm, up to 20 per cent of people go home alive after a cardiac arrest.
Amy’s plea has been backed by Renfrewshire North and West MSP Derek Mackay who has called on the council to consider making CPR training mandatory to all secondary pupils in the area.
Since his initial letter to the local authority, Glasgow and Aberdeen councils have confirmed they will train all secondary pupils in the life-saving skill and Mr Mackay is hopeful that Renfrewshire will follow suit.
In a response to Mr Mackay’s letter, education bosses confirmed they are reviewing their Health and Wellbeing programme.
Mr Mackay said:“I am encouraged by Renfrewshire Council’s initial commitment to encourage all secondary schools to ensure every pupil receives CPR training during their time at school.
“I know a number of Renfrewshire schools already give training to pupils, and I pay tribute to the volunteers and charities who take the time to go into our schools and teach this life-saving skill.
“The response to the campaign to have this expanded to all secondary pupils locally has been huge, with many people getting in touch to show their support.
Councillor Jim Paterson met with Amy and Mr Mackay on Monday to discuss CPR education in schools and to give Amy a tour of the council chamber.
He said: “I was pleased to meet with Amy and Derek Mackay MSP to discuss the issue of CPR training in our secondary schools.
"I will be meeting the British Heart Foundation next week to have further discussions on how we can take this forward as soon as possible.”