Awards for young rescuers

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 409, 22 October 1991, Page 4

Awards for young rescuers

BY

JO

HOWIE

Phillip Mason's life was saved last December by the quick actions of Sean and Douglas Barclay and Victor Pirere. "These boys saved my son's life and they deserve some form of recognition for it," said Cathy Mason, Phillip's mother. This was the reason for a special assembly held at Waiouru Primary School last Friday. The boys were awarded a certificate to recognise their quick thinking and swift actions which showed maturity beyond their years. "I've been trying all year to do something for

these boys. I even wrote to the Prime Minister. Fortunately, our Mayor, Garrick Workman devised a certificate of commendation. Guests attending the school assembly included some community members who helped the Mason family on the day the accident occurred. Also attending was Waiouru Commander Colonel Clive Sinclair, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Martyn Dunne, Doctor Wilson, Ambulance Officer Terry Fisk, Victor Pirere's friend, and the Barclay family. After Waiouru Primary

School principal Mr Morgan briefly recited what happened on the day, Mr Workman presented the boys with their certificates. The Mayor said it was a special occasion for him because it was the first time he has attended Waiouru School's assembly. He said it was difficult to find some form of recognition for this example of bravery because there is no suitable national certificate. Colonel Sinclair said the boys showed initiative which is something the Army tries to teach soldiers everyday. He said he hoped we all

would react as responsibly as these boys did in a life-threatening situation. The boys, Sean and Douglas, were playing with Phillip at the pond near Waitangi Hill. Phillip, eight years at the time, waded through the water to cross the pond. A murky pond bottom made it difficult for Phillip to see and having misjudged his footing Phillip stepped into a pot hole, then started to drown. Sean Barclay, 10, saw his friend floating face down and sent his brother, Douglas, 9, for help. Sean then ran back around the pond to enter

the water where Phillip had entered to retrieve him. While help was being sought, Victor Pirere, 17, arrived on the scene and immediately started CPR. Dave Bilmore and 'Lofty' took over from Victor until medical assistance arrived. Phillip was taken by helicopter to Wanganui Hospital to Intensive Care. He was unconscious and on a respirator. Cathy was told to expect the possibility of death, brain damage, and paralysis. "Waiouru school sent tapes, letters, posters, cards, and were just great. Diana (Phillip's sister) spent

hours reading all his mail to him." The first sign of any response was on Tuesday morning, two days after the accident, when he moved his legs and that afternoon he asked for his mother. He walked out of hospital on the Friday. That afternoon he asked his father for his new red bike in Deka he had been promised when he was unconscious. "It's a miracle he's alive," Cathy said. "The

doctor said it was the very cold water in the pond that contributed to his recovery. The cold water caused his major organs to slow down and 'conserve energy'." "But there's so many people I want to thank including the medical staff, the helicopter pilot and Kathy Frater. "I also want to warn families in Waiouru about that pond. It's very dangerous and I'd hate to see this happen again.