A heroic teenager in the Army Cadets helped keep a man alive long enough to say goodbye to his family by administering CPR she had learned just weeks before.
Incident on Rutherglen Main Street
Lance Corporal Hayden Quinn from Cambuslang was walking down Rutherglen Main Street last May when she noticed a man collapsed on the street. Without hesitation, the then 14-year-old bravely rushed over to the elderly man and administered CPR she had only learned to carry out just a month before. The youngster used her training from St Andrew's Ambulance on the man, who they later found out had heart problems, for 10 minutes until emergency services arrived.
Medics said they didn't know how Hayden initially managed to bring him back to life. Sadly the man from Ireland passed away in hospital days later.
Family's Gratitude
His family have since thanked Hayden for keeping him alive longer, allowing them to travel to Scotland and say their final goodbyes. Proud mum Angela, 49, told Glasgow Live: "An elderly man has collapsed and a crowd had gathered around him. A woman was shouting 'he's not breathing, does anyone know how to do CPR?' and Hayden said she would do it. She performed CPR for about 10 minutes before the police appeared.
"We found out he'd had heart problems and the doctors told us they didn't know how she managed to get his heart back going - but she did. I was in tears. To take control and do that at just 14 years old. Nothing phases her."
The man was originally from Ireland and most of his family lived there. They were really grateful because they managed to get over and be with him for around a week. "Even though he sadly passed, they were able to come over and spend time with him," Angela added.
Accolades and Recognition
Hayden, now 15, has since received the Commandant's Coin, the Meritorious Certificate and the League of Mercy Distinguished Community Service Medal for her efforts. The mum has hailed the Army Cadets for training Hayden, helping her to learn the crucial skills as well as others which will help her in life.
She is urging other families to consider signing their kids up to the cadets, with three of her daughters all enjoying positive experiences in the group. Angela added: "They teach the kids survival skills, like starting fires. They have been amazing with my three girls there and have taught them how to remain calm in situations. It also teaches them values and respect. They teach kids to be respectful to others."
Affordable Opportunities
"My kids go twice a week and they pay £1 each night they go. They get a full army uniform for free. They go on week-long camps, and it can be around £50. It's really affordable. They get to learn to play a musical instrument too, and take part in things like the Tattoo and they can get the Duke of Edinburgh Award," Angela said.
