A remarkable six-year-old boy from Bingham has been celebrated as a true hero for his courageous actions that played a crucial role in saving his father's life during a sudden medical crisis. Finlay, a Year 2 pupil at Robert Miles Infant School, part of the Nova Education Trust, demonstrated extraordinary composure by communicating with emergency operators and facilitating help when his dad, Phil, became critically unwell at their family home.
A Life-Saving Lesson Put into Practice
His mother, Elaine, revealed that she had recently considered disconnecting their landline telephone but instead chose to teach Finlay how to use it for emergencies. "I was looking into getting the home phone disconnected due to no longer needing it," Elaine explained. "Instead, I decided to teach Finlay how to use it in case of an emergency." This decision proved fateful when, just days later, Elaine was out and received a distressing call from her son.
"I could hear that Phil could not breathe and Finlay told me he was on the floor," she recounted. "I told Finlay that I would ring an ambulance." The 999 operator, after taking the home number, spoke directly with the young boy, who remained calm throughout the ordeal. Finlay also managed to let in a friend who had arrived to assist and greeted the ambulance staff at the door upon their arrival.
Praise from Emergency Services and School Community
Greg Cox, Divisional Director for Nottinghamshire at East Midlands Ambulance Service, expressed immense pride in Finlay's actions. "We’re incredibly proud of Finlay for his quick thinking and bravery," he stated. "When his dad became seriously unwell, he stayed calm." Cox highlighted the availability of free, engaging resources on their website designed to help families practice lifesaving skills together, emphasising the importance of such preparedness.
Back at Robert Miles Infant School, staff have formally recognised Finlay's bravery. He was presented with a certificate and given the opportunity to share his experience with his classmates. The school has integrated emergency response education into its curriculum, with lessons and assemblies focused on understanding how to seek help in critical situations. The reception year dedicates an entire term to this vital topic.
Assistant Headteacher Rosie Pilborough commended Finlay's exceptional demeanour. "We have been teaching our pupils what to do in an emergency as it's so important, even at a very young age," she said. "Finlay was able to keep so calm in such a tense and difficult situation and that's remarkable for someone so young. Everyone at the school is so proud of Finlay. He is such a hero."
Elaine reflected on the severity of the incident, noting that Phil required compressions upon the ambulance's arrival. "Finlay kept calm and brave throughout," she affirmed. "He is a superstar." This heartwarming story underscores the profound impact of early emergency education and the incredible resilience children can display in moments of crisis.
