10 year old congratulated by Minister for bravery

The bravery of ten year old student during a family emergency has been commended by the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Simon Corbell, at a special school assembly today.

"The outstanding efforts of Kyle Gurney, from Bonython Primary School, to act quickly and remain calm when advising other family members his father required urgent medical attention, deserves to be recognised," Mr Corbell said.

"Kyle has shown exceptional bravery and skill and today I'm pleased to present him with a Certificate of Appreciation from the ACT Ambulance Service at his school."

On 19 October, 2011, Kyle's father, Mr Gurney had fallen ill and become unconscious. As the eldest sibling at home at the time, Kyle recognised that his father required emergency medical attention, calling his mother to suggest they needed an ambulance. Intensive care paramedics from the ACT Ambulance Service arrived to treat Mr Gurney.

"Being the eldest of three boys at home at the time, Kyle remained calm and provided all necessary information to intensive care paramedics that attended to his father," he said.

Mr Corbell also stressed the importance of calling Emergency Triple Zero (000) in times of emergency.

"Whilst on this occasion an ambulance was called by other family members who were not at home at the time, children should understand how important it is to dial 000 in times of crisis," he said.

"Time is critical in an emergency and having the ability for younger members of families to be aware of calling 000 as soon as possible is vital.

"Having intensive care paramedics arrive to an address early can make a big difference to the outcome of the patient.

"I would once again like to congratulate Kyle and encourage all parents to educate their children on how to call Triple Zero in the case of an emergency."