Award for a little life saved

HEROES REWARD: Nursing student Caroline Snowden with the Royal Humane Society award she received.

Caroline Snowden didn't think twice when she was called to a life and death
emergency near her home at Whatuwhiwhi in December last year. She used the skills she had just learned to perform CPR on a three-month-old boy who had stopped breathing, and yesterday she received a Royal Humane Society award in recognition of saving the child's life.
The presentation was made at Whatuwhiwhi's Hai Te-Tai-Mairangai Marae by NorthTec tutor (and New Zealand Resuscitation Council instructor) Michael McGivern, who told those gathered that resuscitation could be a very distressing, anxiety-promoting process, especially if it was unsuccessful. In this case it had been successful, however. The infant (who Mrs Snowden did not wish to be identified), who was lifeless when Mrs Snowden arrived at his home, was flown to Starship Hospital and was understood to have made a good recovery. Mr McGivern paid tribute to instructor Ron Liddicoat, who had taught Mrs Snowden the skills she had needed just two weeks before, when she was a
"very new'" nursing student. Royal Humane Society awards were not given lightly, he added. A recognised extension of the honours system, they were conferred by a court of directors that met once a year, to recognise those who risked their lives to save the lives
of others in peril, and for all humane acts of a like nature. Resuscitation Council chairman Dr Richard Aickin said (in a letter that is also to be framed for presentation to Mrs Snowden) that the providing of life support to an infant whose life was in imminent danger was a "truly remarkable'' achievement."Your efforts alone ensured the survival of this young life,'' he said.
`"You provided high-quality resuscitation with courage and leadership. We have no doubt that your experience will inspire others to equip themselves with resuscitation skills, thereby benefiting increasing numbers of New Zealand families and communities.
"On behalf of the New Zealand Resuscitation Council I sincerely congratulate you for your noble actions. ''Mrs Snowden said yesterday that she was honoured and humbled by the award, but she shared it with all those who had guided and supported her throughout her life. "This isn't just about me,'' she said. "It's about all the people around me, and in my life all glory goes to God.'' When she was taught CPR she focused on babies, and two weeks later those skills had "come to the fore.'' She had kept in touch with the child and his family, and was pleased to know that he was doing well. "This little fellow is very special to me,'' she added.