Lakes College student nurse recognised for saving fellow pupil's life

A STUDENT nurse has been recognised for her fast action to help one of her fellow learners in a medical emergency.

Millie Lawler is training to be a nurse at Lakes College and was on the bus to the campus at Lillyhall when Josh Groom, who is also a student at the college, became unwell.

Josh, 18, has epilepsy and has experienced absent seizures in the past, but this was a more serious episode than any he had suffered before – one which doctors said could have put his life in danger without such a quick response.

Chris Nattress, principal at Lakes College, said: “We take pride in being a community college serving the people of Cumbria and there can be no greater example of that in action than Millie’s quick thinking to help her fellow student in need.

“We were delighted to be able to help Josh and his mum Nichelle to meet with Millie and thank her in person – and to say our own thank you by recognising her actions.

“That Millie was able to act so coolly in an emergency is a testament to her skills as a student nurse.”

Millie leapt into action to provide vital first aid for Josh, while the rest of the bus – including many other Lakes learners – remained calm and cooperative and another student rang 999.

Josh’s mum Nichelle said doctors have since told her that without Millie’s quick thinking and fast action, her son’s seizure could have put his life at risk.

Nichelle, who is from Workington, said: “Millie will never know how grateful I am; she honestly saved Josh’s life.

“Josh left for college absolutely fine but then I got a call from a mobile number I didn’t know so I let it ring out.

“I got a voicemail saying Josh was in the back of an ambulance which was scary.”

Millie, from Wigton, is studying the T Level Nurse Cadets course at the college and said her training combined with her instincts to respond.

She said: “You just kind of kick into what you need to do and don’t think about it in the moment.

“I just followed what I have been taught to do to help.”

The 17-year-old was invited to a presentation recently to recognise her for her actions.

Josh, who cannot remember the incident, thanked Millie in person and handed her a gift and flowers, while Millie was also presented with a bouquet and certificate from the college.

Nichelle and Josh, who are both from Workington, have also reached out to Stagecoach to thank the driver for his help.

Since the incident, Millie and Josh have struck up a friendship.