Heroes of the freeze
Schoolgirls who helped to save man trapped by ice nominated for award
Hero schoolgirls Lauren Campbell and Emily Deas helped to saved the life of a man and his dog when they fell through the ice last year.
The teenagers leapt into action last December when they heard someone screaming for help as they were walking along long the Monkland Canal in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire.
The friends rushed to the side of the water and spotted the terrified man who had fallen through the ice and become trapped while trying to rescue his pet.
The quick- thinking duo weighed up the situationion and decided it was too dangerous tot set t foot on the ice and attempt the rescue themselves so they phoned 999.
The girls directed the firefighters to the canal near Blair Road at King Street and got the man safely out of the freezing canal.
Meanwhi le, Emily, 15, and Lauren, 16, managed to rescue his dog.
Without their assistance, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said the trapped man may not have survived.
Their brave act has earned the inspirational St Ambrose High School pupils a Young Scot Award nomination in the Young Hero category, sponsored by XSite Braehead.
Lauren said: “We were walking along the canal after school just before Christmas when we heard a man screaming so we ran towards the noise.
“He was in the freezing water and asked us to call emergency services. Emily directed the firefighters to where we were and I tried to get the dog out to safety.
“Luckily the firefighters got the man out. It’s scary to think if we hadn’t been there that something really bad could have happened. We were just doing what anyone else would have done in the same situation.”
Emily, who made the call to the emergency services, said: “During the 999 call I just knew I had to stay calm and do what I had to, to save the man. We knew it was too dangerous to try to cross the ice to reach him and it was important to get the emergency services out to him as quickly as possible.”
Lauren’s dad Ricky Campbell said: “I am so proud of my daughter and her friend. They are both very modest about what they did but thei r quick thinking
Their quick g and thinkin is an courage ion inspirat to us all
helped them save a life. There are some who would not have stayed so calm in a situation like that. “The fire service told us they got to the man just in time as he was trapped and couldn’t get out and the water was so cold. They were also wise not to try to rescue the man themselves as they too could have gone through the ice. “Lauren has a lways been
really good at helping others and to have helped save a life at just 16 is brilliant.”
Their heroic actions have been honoured by the SFRS, who last week presented both girls with certificates and commemorative plaques at Coatbridge Fire Station.
Lanarkshire Local Senior Officer Jim Quinn described the girls’ actions as an “inspiration”.
He said: “On behal f of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, I’m extremely proud to present both Lauren and Emily with these letters of commendation. Calling 999, remaining calm and leading f ire crews to the incident undoubtedly helped to save a life. Their quick thinking and courage is an inspiration to us all.”
There is still time to nominate in all categories and the winners will be announced at a star- studded festival-style ceremony at Glasgow’s Platform – formerly known as The Arches – on June 8.
Rosalind Gibson, marketing boss at XSite Braehead, said: “This award recognises a young person who has shown true bravery and incredible perseverance to save the day.”
To nominate, go to www. youngscot awards.com Nominations close on April 10