A PRIMARY school pupil from Skipton who put into practice first aid skills he had only just learned to help a woman who collapsed in front of his home has been hailed as “an absolute star”.

Eight-year-old Stephen Orbeladze, who goes to Christ Church Primary School in Skipton, rushed to the rescue to put the unconscious woman into the recovery position on the pavement and immediately phoned for an ambulance.

The woman was rushed to hospital and was later released after making what is believed to be a full recovery.

Stephen said: “The thing that gave me confidence was being shown how to do it at First Aid Club.”

And his first aid trainer Emma Brown, a teaching assistant at Christ Church, said Stephen’s quick thinking and cool response could not be praised too highly.

Emma said: “Stephen is an absolute star.

“He did exactly what he had learned to do promptly and correctly.

“Everyone at Christ Church is very, very proud of him.”

Emma has been running the first aid lessons along with fellow teaching assistant Beth Akeroyd and staff governor Katy Herbert at the school.

Key Stage 2 pupils have been having regular sessions during the summer term.

And, Emma said, Stephen’s quick thinking showed how important it was for everyone, not just children, to learn first aid skills.

She explained: “All the Key Stage 2 pupils have shown a fine aptitude for learning first aid and, importantly, they have been enjoying it very much too.

“This is the second year that we have been running the sessions, using material from the Red Cross website which is available to everyone.

“The First Aid Club was started because everyone at Christ Church thought it was an important thing to teach the children, especially when they are at the right age to take in the information readily.

“These are life-saving skills the children have learned and it’s gratifying for all of us that Stephen was able to use them so well to help the lady.

“We are so proud of him for being able to put his first aid knowledge into practice.

“It shows how important basic first aid knowledge is for everyone.”

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