Super siblings Jenson and Siena Coupe have been recognised with an ASB Super Saver Bravery Award for their heroic actions.
At a special presentation at Maraetai Beach School on Friday, Jenson (10) and Siena (eight), were celebrated for putting the emergency skills they learned through the ASB St John in Schools programme to good use when their dad needed urgent medical attention.
The courageous pair took action by keeping calm and making smart decisions when dad Brian was experiencing a cardiac arrest at home.
Jenson stayed with his dad while his mum, Sonia, called an ambulance.
He then demonstrated quick-thinking by opening the door and gate, as well as turning the outside lights on to help direct the ambulance officers to his father.
“It was scary, but I knew I needed to act fast and follow instructions to help my dad,” Jenson says.
“It was a relief when the ambulance arrived, and I was proud of myself for being brave.”
Siena also demonstrated some impressive thinking and initiative by putting the family cats in the garage.
“I needed to make sure the cats were safe while dad was getting help. Mum didn’t even ask me to do it, but I knew it was a good idea.”
“I love my dad very much and I did my very best to help,” she says.
Grateful mum, Sonia, says she’s immensely proud of her little heroes.
“Without the amazing support of Jenson and Siena, things could have turned out a lot worse.
“The valuable skills they learned through the ASB St John in Schools programme helped save their dad’s life, and we are extremely grateful to ASB, Hato Hone St John, and Maraetai Beach School.
“The values and skills children learn from their lovely teachers truly prepares them for the unexpected.”
Sue Lowry, Hato Hone St John Community Educator, says she has taught lifesaving skills to more than 75,000 children at schools across Auckland, Hauraki and the Coromandel, including to Maraetai Beach School.
“Jenson and Siena provide a perfect example of how to act in an emergency. They were calm, acted with confidence and made smart decisions.”
“They stand among the growing number of tamariki who have put the skills they learned through the ASB St John in Schools programme to good use. We are immensely proud of them.”
Catering to pre-school, primary and intermediate-aged children, the programme empowers young New Zealanders with lifesaving skills and the confidence to act in an emergency.
To date, more than a million children have been equipped with lifesaving skills, including how to make a 111 call, how to prevent injuries, and how to stay safe in an emergency.
