Article Source: East Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 30 January 2013 20:02
Quick-thinking Heather McLaren, 17, knew what to do because she’d seen Vinnie Jones demonstrate the life-saving treatment in an advert on TV.
The British Heart Foundation ad starring acting hard man and former footballer Jones shows how to give CPR to the tune of the Bee Gees’ 70s classic Staying Alive. Heather had watched it just weeks before and remembered the technique.
Heather was walking to school in Newton Mearns when an elderly woman collapsed in the street just yards in front of her.
Thinking she’d simply fallen, Heather rushed to her aid. But when she got to the woman’s side, she realised it was more serious.
Heather – who was on her own - immediately dialled 999 then started performing CPR, which she continued to do until the emergency services arrived five minutes later.
A doctor took over from Heather at the scene before the woman was rushed to hospital.
Later that day Heather heard that the woman had suffered a heart attack, but that she was now stable and would recover.
Heather said: “I just did it – I didn’t think about it. When I got to the woman I couldn’t feel a pulse and there was no one else around. I remembered seeing the Vinnie Jones advert on TV so I thought I’d try it.”
Now Heather – who has applied to university to study nursing and hopes to one day specialise in surgery - has been presented with a special award in recognition of her efforts by Councillor Elaine Green, convener of education and equalities.
She said: “What Heather did was absolutely phenomenal. That she was able to not only stay calm and raise the alarm, but also performed CPR on the elderly lady for five minutes, all while on her own, is fantastic.
“Heather fully deserves this award and the praise of everyone at Eastwood High School and East Renfrewshire Council.”
At the special presentation in the council chambers at Eastwood House, Heather, who lives in Newton Mearns with mum Mhairi, dad John and sister Rachel, 14, a third-year pupil at Eastwood High, added: “It feels pretty good to save a life – and it’s nice to get this award for it.”
Eastwood High head teacher Stuart Maxwell was also full of praise for his quick-thinking pupil. He said: “Heather is a very mature and responsible girl. We’re very proud of her.”
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