CFA is praising the efforts of a teenager whose quick actions saved his mother’s life.
On Monday 5 August, CFA was called to an incident in Dunn Street Wonthaggi, just before 10pm.
A 48 year-old woman’s clothes caught fire after a spark landed on her when opening the door of a wood heater.
The woman’s 16 year-old son quickly covered his mother with a fire blanket to smother the flames and then placed her into a bath of cold water.
CFA’s Wonthaggi Fire Brigade Captain Kim O’Connor said the teenager’s quick actions prevented more serious injuries.
“The teenager is still in shock and can’t even comprehend what he’s done,” he said.
“He saved his mother’s life and his courageous actions that night are to be highly commended and deserve to be recognised.
“Had he not acted as quickly and efficiently as he did, we would have arrived to a far more devastating and potentially deadly scene.”
The 16-year-old completed first aid training as part of his life saving club activities.
“It’s great to see a young guy putting into action what he has learnt from his involvement with the life saving club while remaining composed enough to assist a family member in a time of extreme pressure,” Mr O’Connor said.
Wonthaggi firefighters plan on nominating the teenager for a bravery award.
His mother was airlifted to the AlfredHospital with severe burns to her lower body and arms. She is currently in a stable condition.
Author: CFA Media