Key Takeaways
- Marley and his friends received Courage in Action bravery awards for their quick thinking and actions in response to a medical emergency at school.
- The boys’ actions ensured prompt alerting of school staff and the provision of pre-hospital care for the affected student, who has since recovered.
- The St John in Schools programme presents Courage in Action bravery awards to school children who demonstrate bravery in emergency situations or have a positive impact on the wellbeing of others.
- The awards are nominated by community educators, ambulance crews, emergency call handlers, teachers, family members, and members of the public who were involved in the incident.
Introduction to the Courage in Action Awards
The Courage in Action awards are a testament to the bravery and quick thinking of school children in emergency situations. Recently, Marley and his friends were awarded these bravery awards for their actions in response to a medical emergency at school. Their story is a powerful reminder that awareness, courage, and doing the right thing can come from anyone, regardless of age. The presentation of the awards took place at the start of the school’s end-of-year prizegiving, with whānau gathered under marquees on the school field. The day opened with karakia, waiata, and kapa haka, before Hato Hone St John presented the awards.
The Emergency Situation and Response
The emergency situation arose when a student became unwell, and Marley and his friends sprang into action. Their quick thinking ensured that school staff were alerted promptly, and an ambulance was called to provide pre-hospital care for the student. The student has since recovered, thanks in part to the swift actions of Marley and his friends. Marley, an active cadet within the Doubtless Bay St John Youth Division, credited his involvement in the programme with helping him respond to the situation. He said, "Having St John’s [Youth] training allowed me to think and not worry and know what to do. It was a good feeling to help my friend."
The St John in Schools Programme
The St John in Schools programme is designed to promote bravery and awareness among school children. As part of this programme, Hato Hone St John presents Courage in Action bravery awards to school children who act bravely in an emergency or have a positive impact on the wellbeing of others. The awards are nominated by community educators, ambulance crews, emergency call handlers, teachers, family members of the child, and members of the public who were involved in the incident. Hato Hone community engagement co-ordinator for Northland Natalie Samson said that the boys stayed calm and showed maturity in a very frightening emergency situation. "They showed maturity well beyond their years, showing real mana and doing exactly what was needed to get help quickly."
The Award Presentation and Recognition
The award presentation was a heartfelt and emotional event, with the parents of the student who became unwell in attendance. The father of the young student gifted the three boys with leis made of sweets as a token of appreciation and a sincere thank you. This moment was especially poignant, highlighting the gratitude and appreciation of the student’s family for the bravery and quick thinking of Marley and his friends. The event was a powerful reminder that awareness, courage, and doing the right thing can come from anyone, no matter their age. The Courage in Action awards serve as a testament to the bravery and selflessness of school children, and the impact they can have on their communities.
Conclusion and Reflection
In conclusion, the story of Marley and his friends is a powerful reminder of the importance of bravery, awareness, and quick thinking in emergency situations. The St John in Schools programme and the Courage in Action awards play a vital role in promoting these values among school children. By recognizing and rewarding bravery and selflessness, we can encourage young people to develop the skills and confidence they need to respond to emergency situations. As Natalie Samson noted, the event was a powerful reminder that awareness, courage, and doing the right thing can come from anyone, regardless of age. The Courage in Action awards will continue to inspire and motivate young people to make a positive impact in their communities.
