A six-year-old boy from London who saved his mother’s life when she was choking has been awarded the Chief Scout’s Unsung Hero Award.
Conor Tuohy, who learned emergency first aid skills in the Boy Scouts, stepped in and slapped his mother hard on the back when she started choking on her chicken during dinner.
She was unable to breathe or make any sounds or attract the attention of other adults. Connor continued to administer first aid without any help until the food fell off.
His mother, Anna O’Connor, said: “I’m so proud. Connor took it in stride and didn’t realize what a momentous moment it was. I couldn’t be prouder of him.”
Connor was among 20 young people who were honored at an earlier ceremony in recognition of their efforts in saving lives, raising funds and making an impact in their communities.
Connor said he had hoped to be able to use first aid skills after learning them [BBC]
The six-year-old explained that he saw his mother choking, adding: “I remember something from Squirrel where you have to pat people on the back to get the food out.”
The Squirrel Scouts are the youngest section of Scouting UK, catering to children aged four to six.
Connor’s mother added: “I’ve never experienced anything like this. I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t speak, I couldn’t do anything.
“Connor came and within seconds started pounding my back.
“I think all kids should learn basic first aid. If Connor wasn’t on the Squirrels, who knows what would have happened.”
Chief Scout Dwayne Fields said the winning children “demonstrated true courage, kindness and concern for others”.
“They stepped up and made a difference when it mattered most,” Fields added.
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