THREE Colwyn Bay schoolgirls have been commended for their handling of a 999 emergency situation.
Eirias High School students Rosie Llewellyn-Jones and her two friends Hannah Williams and Hannah Redpath were paid tribute after an incident in school.
Paramedic Stephen Pile, who attended the call, was so impressed by the calm, collected way in which the year seven girls behaved that he has arranged a visit to Colwyn Bay ambulance station for them on July 9.
Rosie suffers from an illness called Reflex Annoxic Seizures which can cause her heart to slow down and temporarily stop.
When she started feeling unwell during an art class on May 28, she approached her teacher and explained what to do if she had a fit.
Her friends Hannah Williams and Hannah Redpath then stayed with Rosie to reassure her while they waited for an ambulance.
Mrs Millington-Cassidy, art teacher, said: “I was very proud of the way in which all the girls handled the situation, from the initial stages of alerting me to the situation, right up to the arrival of the medical team.”
“They provided great support to all involved and demonstrated fantastic maturity. I am delighted that their efforts have been recognized”.
Sharon Llewellyn-Jones, said that daughter Rosie had taken part in group sessions and talks to explain her condition to people in her classes.
She said: “Rosie didn’t know the two girls before she started at Erias High, they’ve only known each other since September.They are very good friends.”
“I’ve sent a thank you to the class.”
Paramedic Stephen Pile was “overcome with respect” for the way Rosie and her friends dealt with the situation.
He said: "Talking to Rosie's teacher I was very impressed to hear that when Rosie first felt unwell she had informed her teacher that she was going to have a fit and instructed her in what was going to happen and what first aid action to take when she eventually went into a fit.”
“The teacher said that Rosie's calmness and clear instructions in what was a frightening experience reassured her and helped reduce her own panic."
"I was also informed that when Rosie was first taken ill the two Hannahs stayed with Rosie reassuring her.I felt these youngsters should be given the recognition that they deserve."
For her courage, Rosie will be presented with a Trust shield and for their support; her two friends will recieve a certificate from the locality ambulance officer, Jason Williams.
Mr Williams said: "We felt that for such a positive outlook on life despite her condition, we wanted to pay tribute to such a mature attitude.”
“It has been a privilege to hear this story and present our shield to Rosie and to also say thank you to her two friends for their level headed support during this emergency call."