A Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College student has spoken of how remaining calm and drawing on cadet first aid training helped him save a man’s life during a traumatic roadside emergency.
Sam Ellis, who is part of the Combined Cadet Force at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College and a Sergeant in the Northallerton Air Cadets, was travelling back from the Peak District when he came across a male cyclist lying unconscious in the middle of the road.
Recognising the seriousness of the situation, Sam immediately put the man into the recovery position. When he realised the cyclist had stopped breathing, he began delivering life-saving CPR.
Sam continued CPR alongside another member of the public while managing the scene and directing passers-by until emergency services arrived.
The cyclist had suffered a cardiac arrest and spent three days in an induced coma.
Sam said: “I was travelling back on my motorbike when I saw someone unconscious in the road. There was already another person there, but they weren’t sure what to do. Because of my first aid training, I knew how important it was to act quickly. Once I realised he wasn’t breathing, I started CPR straight away.”
Sam remained at the scene for several hours and played a key role while waiting for emergency services following the incident, which took place in April.
“At the time, I wasn’t scared or nervous — my focus was entirely on doing what I could to help him.”
On the 8th of October, Sam was reunited with cyclist, Nigel Owen on BBC Breakfast during National Cadets Week. The daily focus for the week being 'Cadets Save Lives'.
Nigel was visibly moved, "You saved my life! I’m medically recovered and back to work full-time. This is the evidence that what somebody did in the moment worked! I have no recollection, I was unconscious - not breathing. I think it’s staggering, astonishing, what you did. The presence of mind and the bravery to get involved. I don’t think I can say thank you enough."
After college, Sam hopes to pursue a career in the emergency services.
“I’m pleased I had the training and the confidence to help when it mattered. It’s definitely reinforced that I want a career where I can help people in high‑pressure situations.”
We think you would be a credit to the emergency services Sam, you are credit to the CCF and our hero.
National Cadets Week
National Cadets Week takes place from 5 to 11 October, the week offers schools a chance to showcase the experiences, skills and opportunities provided through the CCF. Find out more and download the National Cadets Week toolkit.
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Watch via: BBC Breakfast | BBC News
Images: Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College
Pictured: Sam Ellis receives Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College Young Citizen Award
