A STUDENT nurse’s quick-thinking actions helped save the life of a child who had been involved in a road traffic collision.

Eleanor Mears found herself putting her training into practice whilst out walking her dog in Ramsbottom.

The University of Salford student said as she and her partner were changing into their walking boots in the car park, they heard a “huge bang” and screaming.

And Eleanor, a final year nursing associate trainee, sprang into action.

She said:“I realised I needed to go and offer my skills to help, so I threw everything into the car and went running to see what had happened. As I got out onto the main road, I could see a seven-year-old boy had been run over. He was unresponsive and not breathing. My training and everything I had learnt at university came flooding back, and I checked to see if the airway was clear and started rescue breaths and compressions.

“After what felt like hours, an air ambulance arrived as well as the paramedics; the doctor instructed me to carry on with my compressions, while he administered oxygen and gave out orders to others”.

Despite being exhausted and emotional from providing CPR, Eleanor stayed on hand to help comfort the casualty’s family once the paramedic team took over.

In recognition for Eleanor’s heroic efforts on the scene of the accident in December, she was awarded ‘Apprentice of the Year’ by the university and has now been shortlisted for ‘Nursing Associate Trainee of the Year’ at the prestigious Student Nursing Times Awards.

Eleanor said: “I am speechless. I never expected to be nominated, never mind being shortlisted. It’s a real honour to get this far!”

Professor Margaret Rowe, Dean of the School of Health and Society, said: “It is fantastic to hear that Eleanor has been shortlisted for this award. Her quick thinking and actions helped save a child’s life and she should be incredibly proud of herself.

“We look forward to hearing how Eleanor gets on in London and wish her the best of luck as she truly deserves to be recognised for her heroic efforts.”