Hero Hayden McPhillimey, 11, saved his grandfather’s life
ELEVEN-year-old Hayden McPhillimey found his grandfather lying unconscious in the backyard, then watched in horror as his grandmother collapsed, exhausted, while trying to give him CPR. But Hayden didn’t panic. He saved his grandfather’s life.
Pride of Australia
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ELEVEN-year-old Hayden McPhillimey found his grandfather lying unconscious in the backyard, then watched in horror as his grandmother collapsed, exhausted, while trying to give him CPR.
But Hayden did not panic. Having run to call triple-0 while his grandmother began CPR, Hayden stayed on the phone and, with instruction from the operator, was able to take over CPR and keep his beloved Pop alive until paramedics arrived. Now Hayden has been nominated for a Pride of Australia Medal for his cool courage.
The August emergency began when Hayden saw his grandfather Marcus Ulrich, 66, lying limp and in cardiac arrest in his Werrington County backyard.
As he raced to call triple-0, his grandmother Leanne, 63, began CPR on her husband but after a few minutes she collapsed beside him. Hayden stayed calm and, with guidance, took over CPR.
Mr Ulrich spent 12 days in a coma after the attack but has since recovered.
“The first thing I said to Hayden was that I love him and that I’m so proud of him,” Mr Ulrich said.
Hayden said: “I did (CPR) for what felt like about 10 minutes but I knew I couldn’t stop. I’m really grateful to have him back and I’m spending more time with him.”
► Nominate a hero today at PrideOfAustralia.com.au
