Lifesaving help for a collapsed passer-by yielded a Meritorious Action Award for Suffolk cadet Imogen Thurtle.
Cadet Cpl Thurtle’s quick thinking and first aid skills potentially prevented a death, as well as earning her a Meritorious Action Certificate from the Army Cadet Charitable Trust UK (ACCT UK).
While out and about, Cadet Cpl Thurtle saw a man collapse in the street, start to convulse and fall unconscious. The sharp-eyed young cadet noticed his breathing had stopped and began cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with the support of a member of the public.
While the other person continued CPR, Cadet Cpl Thurtle ran to the nearby fire station where she knew there was a defibrillator. On her return, the unconscious man was shocked with the device and then the two first-aiders continued administering CPR while waiting for an ambulance.
Once paramedics had arrived, Cadet Cpl Thurtle continued with CPR whilst the clinical professionals assessed the situation. Once the man began breathing again, the ambulance crew took him to hospital, thanking Cadet Cpl Thurtle for her vital help.
ACCT UK recognises exceptional service with the Meritorious Action Certificate, presented to cadets who give help and assistance to the general community. That assistance can range from minor incidents to life-saving situations of the sort that saw the action award for Suffolk Cadet Cpl Thurtle.
The county’s Army Cadet Force (ACF) Commandant, Col Cathy Bradshaw, said: “Suffolk ACF is very proud of Cadet Cpl Thurtle and this award is thoroughly deserved. We were delighted to hear the news that her actions were to be recognised by ACCT UK.”
