First aid praise

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 396, 23 July 1991, Page 4

First aid praise

• I thought that the following act by a group of local youngsters on Mt Ruapehu recently, should be brought to the attention of other children and parents to show that our youth occasionally do 'get it right' and demonstrate a coolness and level headedness that we quite often don't give them credit for. In July (a closed school day in Ohakune) several boys from Ohakune Primary .were enjoying skiing together on Turoa when they encountered a patch of "bullet proof blue ice". John Hays lost control and slid off a three metre high cliff, landing

at the bottom on rocks and ice, flat on his back and in great [pain. The other boys, all aged between 11-12, immediately came to his aid. One assisted John to regain breathing then with others went to get assistance from the Mountain Ski Patrol, one marked the danger spot to warn other skiers, and while one used his body as a wind break, another gave encouragement and support until help arrived. John was eventually transported down the mountain on a backboard in a "banana" boat, then by ambulance

to Wanganui. I have no doubt that the prompt actions of Scott Nation, Peter Mansen, Janice Morrissey, Daniel Richards, Shanon Hays and Chris Hammond prevented a ski outing turning into a tragedy. As their Scout Leader (and John's father!) I wish to publicly thank them for their swift actions. John was released from hospital the following day with minor internal injuries and is , rapidly recuperating. Thanks also to Ski Patrol members, Mark, Murray and Chris.

Grant

Hays