Three children have been recognized for their bravery after taking swift action to help an unresponsive man found lying by a riverbank. On the afternoon of **December 31, 2022**, in Lakenheath, **10-year-olds Jacob MacLeod** and **Patrick Kroszkiewicz**, along with **14-year-old Poppy James**, discovered the man and immediately alerted nearby adults, leading to a life-saving response.
Realizing that something was wrong, the children sought assistance from adults in the vicinity, who promptly called **999**. Their quick thinking ensured that help was on the way. When paramedics arrived, Jacob guided them to the challenging location down a steep and muddy bank, facilitating a critical rescue operation.
Jade, Jacob’s mother, expressed pride in her son’s composure during the incident. “It really hit them the magnitude of what had happened once the ambulance arrived,” she said. “We reassured them that they had done everything right.” She noted that Jacob, who has autism, managed to remain calm and focused throughout the situation.
Community Praise and Recognition
The actions of these children have garnered significant praise from the Lakenheath community. They were recently awarded bravery awards by the **East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST)**, highlighting the importance of their actions. Simon Chase, chief paramedic and director of quality at EEAST, emphasized the pivotal role the children played in ensuring the man received necessary medical attention. “Because of Jacob, Poppy, and Patrick’s quick actions, we were able to assign an ambulance promptly,” he stated. “It was a real pleasure to present them with bravery awards and to recognize that what they did that day was truly remarkable.”
The difficult terrain necessitated the deployment of the **Hazardous Area Response Team (HART)** from Melbourn, Cambridgeshire. The team utilized specialized equipment and a four-wheel-drive vehicle to reach the man, who, although breathing, required urgent medical care. He was subsequently transferred to a hospital for further treatment.
Poppy’s mother, Gemma, highlighted the impact of early education in emergency preparedness. “The fire brigade training Poppy received at school helped her stay calm at the time,” she remarked. This incident underscores how vital it is for children to understand emergency protocols.
The bravery displayed by Jacob, Patrick, and Poppy serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of quick thinking and community support in times of crisis. Their recognition by the ambulance service not only honors their actions but also inspires others to act decisively in emergencies.
