We were amazed to hear a story today about how the quick thinking actions of three members of staff at Ryde High School managed to save the life of a student last November.
Sixteen year old Ethan Turner was getting stuck into a game of indoor football at Ryde High School when suddenly, without warning, his heart stopped beating.
Thanks to teacher Ian White who immediately spotted that Ethan was in trouble and to Melanie Thomas and School Matron, Linda Chalkley, Ethan was instantly given CPR while the ambulance was called.
Persistent treatment
We hear that Ethan’s heart stopped at least six times before the ambulance arrived, but each time Melanie and Linda did what was needed to start it again.
We’re sure that anyone learning CPR imagine that they’d never have to use it on a 16 year old, but thank goodness for Ethan that Melanie and Linda were able to provide this vital treatment. Congratulations to them and the others who supported them before the ambulance arrived. Had they not acted, Ethan would not have survived.
Full recovery and back to school
We’re very pleased to hear that Ethan has thankfully now made a full recovery and will be returning to school on Monday morning.
Ethan’s parents Meryl and Derek Turner say the quick thinking actions of the staff at Ryde High School meant their son survived. Meryl said “Had it not been for the swift actions of the staff, in particular Linda and Melanie, we may’ve lost our son.
“Words are not enough to express our gratitude to not only them, but the doctors and paramedics who also helped save his life. We are eternally grateful for what they did”.
Ryde High School Headteacher Rob Hoddle said “Both Melanie and Linda are qualified first aiders and when it became clear Ethan was in trouble, their training just kicked in.
“They kept him alive for up to 20 minutes performing CPR while the ambulance arrived which undoubtedly saved his life. I want to publicly thank the teachers and other staff whose actions helped prevent a tragedy”
