Home : News : Scout's bravery recognised by The Scout Association
Scout's bravery recognised by The Scout Association
24/07/2009
Scout Peter Cowe has been awarded the Silver Cross, one of The Scout Association’s highest honours for bravery. Peter used his Scouting knowledge to help save a motorist suffering from a heart attack.
Last November, 38-year-old Peter was travelling to work on the A167 near Sunderland when he spotted a driver in distress in the car behind.
Using his own car to stop the other, Peter staged an amazing rescue that saved the semi-conscious driver and his 11-year-old daughter.
Peter told the Sunderland Echo about the incident, ‘I heard a crash and saw the Toyota Landcruiser behind had bumped another car.
‘The driver seemed out of it and his daughter was screaming and crying. I decided to let the Toyota crash into the back of me to get it to a standstill.
‘It was really difficult because the car kept pushing mine forward, but eventually I got the parking brake on and brought it to a halt.’
After calling an ambulance Peter went to assist the driver, who was struggling to breath.
Using skills he’d learnt through Scouting, Peter administered first aid until the ambulance and police arrived.
Hounoured for bravery
For his actions Peter has been awarded the Silver Cross – one of The Scout Association’s highest honours for bravery. Peter also received a Chief Constable’s Commendation award from Northumbria Police for his actions.
Peter said, ‘I think they gave me an award because the accident happened on a flyover, and if the driver had gone through the barriers the car would have dropped 40ft and it would’ve been catastrophic.’
Peter became a Scout aged eight. As part of Scouting’s youth programme and adult training scheme he has learnt first aid and other useful skills throughout his involvement.
He is now Assistant Beaver Scout Leader in his home town of Chester-le-Street, in County Durham.
Peter has since spoken on the phone to the family he rescued.
‘The driver is a really nice bloke and I’m happy I was able to help him that day.’
Pictures Courtesy of the Sunderland Echo
Comments
|
|