The North East Ambulance Service has recognised a six-year old boy for his bravery in getting help for his dad who went into cardiac arrest.

Glyn Byard, 60, was at home in Darlington with six year old son William on 18 November last year when he began to feel unwell.

Partner Philippa recalls getting a phone call from Glyn when she was on a trip away for work when he told her that he was feeling unwell before the line went dead.

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Six year old William sprung into action with his mum four hours away - climbing to retrieve a front door key before running to their neighbours to ask for help.

Chris Gray was renting the born next door with his family at the time, and 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.”

While waiting for an ambulance Glyn went into cardiac arrest. Chris was talked through performing CPR over the phone by a 999 operator, which kept Glyn alive until paramedics arrived.

The Northern Echo: L-R: Philippa McKeever, Glyn Byard, William McKeever, Sally Scott, Chris Gray, Charlotte Cooper. L-R: Philippa McKeever, Glyn Byard, William McKeever, Sally Scott, Chris Gray, Charlotte Cooper. (Image: NEAS)

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

“I’ve had first aid training previously, but nothing prepares you for having to perform CPR on another person,” said Chris. “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.

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“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 unphazed and extremely brave.”

Glyn spent seven days in hospital before returning home and is continuing to recover 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.”

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“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 Craig 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.”

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