2018 Bravery Awards - Alana Pinnock

Royal Life Saving WA recently commended 45 brave life savers at the 2018 Bravery Awards, one of whom was Alana Pinnock,. She was awarded a Gold Star Bravery Award for her efforts in alerting her school medical officers and administering first aid as a fellow student suffered a seizure.

In July this year, as class was beginning at Mercedes College, one student began to shake in her seat. The student next to her called out to the teacher to alert her to what is going on.

Alana, who was seated a few rows in front of the girl, jumped up out of her seat and ran out of the classroom to call the school medical officers. As Alana returned to the room the student fell off her chair, and although she was still somewhat responsive the shaking had increased. Alana placed the student in the recovery position, removed her jumper - creating a pillow with it - and placed it under the girl’s head. Alana then checked the student’s medical bracelet and took a record of the time of the first seizure, so she could inform the medical officers. She then took the student’s pulse.

The girl then suffered a second seizure, and while keeping the other students calm, Alana continued to reassure the girl and wait for the school medical officers to arrive. When they arrived, Alana provided a detailed report of what was happening, so they could take over in assisting the girl. The student recovered and later return to school.

Alana used the First Aid Training she had learnt through her school, as well as the Training she had received when completing her Bronze Medallion Aquatic Rescue course.

The Royals commend Alana on her quick thinking and actions and congratulate her on her well-deserved Gold Star for Bravery.

If you would like to nominate someone for next year’s Bravery Awards, please click on the following link.