Ambulance service recognises bravery of six-year-old boy

A 6-year-old from Darlington has been recognised by the North East Ambulance Service for his bravery when his dad suffered a cardiac arrest.

On 18 November last year, Glyn Byard, 60, was at home with his son William when he took ill.

Glyn’s partner Philippa was away with work. She recalls getting a phone call from Glyn telling her he was unwell before the phone line went dead.

With his mum four hours away, it was down to William to get help. He managed to climb up to retrieve the front door key and ran across to their neighbours to alert them.

Chris Gray, also from Darlington, was renting the barn next door with his family at the time.

He recalls: “I was working from home when William knocked on the door saying his dad wanted me. When I got into the house it quickly became apparent that Glyn needed urgent medical help. I rang for an ambulance and asked William to wait in another room.”

As they were waiting for an ambulance, Glyn went into cardiac arrest. Chris rang 999 again and was talked through performing CPR over the phone, keeping Glyn alive until the ambulance arrived.

“I’ve had first aid training previously, but nothing prepares you for having to perform CPR on another person,” Chris said. “Whilst it was very traumatic, I take pride in knowing that I helped save another life and the experience will stay with me forever.”

Clinical care assistant Sally Scott and paramedic James Devine were first on the scene.

Sally said: “William showed great bravery seeking help when his dad became poorly. He acted in a manner well beyond his age recognising his dad needed help. His actions without doubt helped save his dad’s life.”

Shortly after, paramedic Charlotte Cooper arrived on scene. The crew treated Glyn and shocked him six times to bring him back to life.

“Glyn was at a very high risk of going into cardiac arrest again,” Charlotte explained. “Early help and early CPR are what helped him that day. I hope William will feel proud as if he hadn’t have got help when he did, his dad would not be with us today.

“I still look back at the job and remember how amazed I was he was able to recognise his dad needed help at such a young age.”  

Glyn was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital before being transferred to James Cook University Hospital.

Philippa said: “When I got home William reassured me and said, “It’s alright Mummy, Daddy is breathing on his own. Can I still go to the school disco?” He was totally unphased and extremely brave.”

Glyn spent seven days in hospital before returning home and is recovering well.

Philippa added: “I’m eternally grateful to the ambulance crew, 999 call handlers, doctors and nurses who saved Glyn. I also owe so much to Chris and William. Without their bravery, Glyn wouldn’t be here.”

“It’s meant the world for us to meet these life-saving heroes. William is very proud, and we are of him, to receive this award.”

Glyn said: “I’m so lucky William and Chris were there and acted with such courage. I’d also like to say a huge thanks to North East Ambulance Service and James Cook Hospital.”

CPR, especially if administered immediately after cardiac arrest, can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. In the last year, NEAS has supported over 17,600 people to do CPR over the phone.  

For more information on how to give CPR and to use a defibrillator, go to https://www.neas.nhs.uk/get-involved/learning-zone/videos.aspx