Quick thinking Callum is hailed a little star
Proud father Shaun Tetley, 50, of Mexborough, was saved from slipping in to a diabetic coma when his six-year-old son Callum bravely called for help. Picture: Liz Mockler S1413LM
A SIX-YEAR-OLD boy has been hailed a life saver after his swift actions prevented his dad from slipping into a diabetic coma.
When diabetic Shaun Tetley collapsed in front of his son Callum shortly after the pair returned home from a lunchtime swimming trip at Dearne Valley Leisure Centre, the Mexborough youngster dashed for help from a neighbour.
The neighbour raced back home with him, before ringing for an ambulance. The 50-year-old was taken to Doncaster Royal Infirmary where he received treatment to stabilise his blood sugar levels and an irregular heartbeat.
Shaun said: “I was fine when we were at the pool. I just remember getting home and everything slowing down before I sank. There was only Callum there as Sharon my wife was shopping with our youngest son Jayden.
“Callum’s a boisterous little lad who loves swimming and being out and about, especially on his bike. I wouldn’t have expected him to know what to do at his age in that situation.
“I can’t believe how great he was. The ambulance staff couldn’t praise him enough. They said he was a little star.”
After several hours in hospital Shaun was allowed to return to the family home in Comelybank Drive.
Shaun last had a seizure several years ago and has to undertake daily insulin injections.
He added: “Callum knows I have a condition because I inject every day, but we never thought about teaching him what to do if I fell in to a coma.
“Callum managed to do it on his own for me and I can’t thank him enough, along with our neighbour Michelle Cooper and all the medical staff who helped.
“They were rushed off their feet at the hospital but they were brilliant. They said that by acting straight away Callum had stopped me from falling in to a deep coma.
“As soon as I got home from hospital I gave Callum a big cuddle, and with it being New Year’s Eve on the Monday we were able to spoil him a bit.
“I’d like to use this opportunity to urge people who do have serious health conditions to tell their kids how to act in an emergency. It might save their lives one day.”
Ambulance bosses have also praised Callum, who attends Castle Academy, for his actions.
David Williams, deputy director of operations at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “A big well done to Callum for his actions and for staying calm when faced with what must have been a very difficult situation. He did all the right things to get help and his dad must be very proud of him.
“I would encourage all parents and guardians to teach their children what to do in a real emergency and how to call for help should they need to.”
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Weather for South Yorkshire
Wednesday 22 May 2013
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