Brave grandson rewarded

Fifteen-year-old Max Goldsmith was helping harvest the Shiraz grapes on the family vineyard when his Grandfather, Michael, suffered an anaphylactic reaction after receiving two bee stings.

Max’s mother, Michelle, asked her daughter to get the quad bike to get Michael back to the house, but he passed out before they could get him there. This is where Max stepped in, placing his grandfather into the recovery position and instructing his mother to call 000.

With the ambulance on its way from Augusta and more paramedics on their way from Margaret River, Max worked hard to keep his grandfather alive – forcing his swollen tongue to the side to clear Michael’s airway, and ensuring he didn’t fall unconscious.

Max followed further instructions from the emergency services, continuing to monitor his grandfather and maintain his airway until the paramedics arrived. His grandfather was given two doses of adrenaline and put on oxygen before being transported to hospital.

“Words can’t really explain how proud I am of Max,” Michael says. “If it hadn’t been for him, I wouldn’t be here. How can you put that into words? "

“After I came round, I asked Max how he knew what to do, and he said it was just common sense. He said, ‘You were dying, and I had to keep you alive.’ You don’t really know what young people are capable of until they have to step up. I’m so proud of him.”

Michael now carries an epi-pen with him to prevent any further incidents. Max’s brave actions on that day saved his grandfather’s life, and he received a Gold Star Bravery Award at Royal Life Saving WA's Bravery Awards in October 2017.

Do you know someone who's saved a life? Why not nominate them for a Royal Life Saving Bravery Award. Find out more at the link below.