HE’S A HERO TO THE MAX
He’s only 11 but Max Potter is who you want in a crisis.
When his father was struggling to breathe due to a severe respiratory attack, Max kept calm, dialled triple-0 and told paramedics what was happening.
His actions are being credited for saving his dad’s life.
AT just 11 years of age Max has already had enough drama to last him a lifetime, after making the emergency call that saved his father’s life.
Biggera Waters State School pupil Max Potter was on Monday commended by the Queensland Ambulance Service for his quick thinking and calm head when he saw his father Leslie Potter gasping for air due to a severe respiratory attack in May.
Instead of panicking, Max grabbed the phone and dialled triple-0.
“I took lots of deep breaths and thought about something else to keep calm,” Max said.
“Dad was on his knees beside the bed, so I was a little bit nervous and a little bit scared. Dad has had asthma attacks before but none this bad.
“He was struggling and mum was crying her eyes out and freaking out.”
Paramedics say Max remained clear and precise while answering all the Emergency Medical Dispatcher’s questions and waiting out the front of his home to direct the ambulance.
Once on scene, ambulance officers were blown away by how helpful and calm he was as he assisted them in helping his dad.
According to Advanced Care Paramedics Ralph Wilkinson and Paul Neilsen, Max even had his father’s medication out to help advise their decision.
“We arrived under lights and sirens, it was a very serious situation,” Mr Wilkinson said. “Just 10 minutes later and it would have been a very different situation.”
Mr Wilkinson said the situation was a clear example of why it was important to educate children on how to call triple-0.
“What Max did, clearly does save lives, it is such an important thing to know.”
Since his father’s recovery and return home, Max had been given a tour of the Southport ambulance station and a commendation by Gold Coast Assistant Commissioner Chris Draper for his efforts.
Max said he was glad to thank the paramedics in person.
“I never thought I would see them again, I wanted to thank them for saving my dads life. We are still living with the aftershock, if they weren’t there I don’t know what I would have done,” Max said.
“My friends at school also think it is pretty awesome.”
Max said he particularly enjoyed seeing the paramedic rest and relaxation areas on the tour of the station.
“The ping-pong tables looked awesome.”
Max said he hoped to go into a similar high-adrenaline profession to his heroes when he left school – by entering the SAS.
“I might be a lawyer, stock broker or the prime minister after that,” he said.
MAX Potter is just 11 years old but already he is a hero.
The Biggera Waters State School student saved his father’s life by demonstrating the calm and poise of someone twice his age.
When his father, Leslie, began gasping for air suffering a severe respiratory attack, Max overcame the fear of the situation and picked up the phone to call an ambulance.
Paramedics told the Bulletin they were blown away by how calm the primary school student remained during the ordeal, and how helpful he was with their questions as they dispatched an ambulance.
No doubt little Max was already a hero in the eyes of his parents, but he’s just won a few more fans in the ambulance service, who also presented him with a certificate of appreciation in recognition of his efforts.
Well done Max!