Scots schoolgirl praised after helping save dad and sister from horror crash

Hayley and family with Poppy Currie, Paramedic, Simon Hughes, Technician, and Robert Gordon University student Jack Gunn
-Credit: (Image: Scottish Ambulance Service)


An Aberdeen schoolgirl has been praised after helping to save her dad and sister from a horror crash.

Hayley McKay, 11, was presented with a Certificate of Commendation from the Scottish Ambulance Service for coming to the aid of her dad John and eight-year-old sister Emily following a collision outside Bucksburn Police Station in April.

Hayley calmed Emily and assisted the crew with assessing her before a second crew, arrived at the scene.

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Hayley’s proud mum said Rebecca: “Getting the call from John to say he had had an accident was incredibly scary and worrying – I didn’t know exactly what had happened or how bad the situation was. Once I arrived, the Scottish Ambulance Service staff were extremely calm and reassured me that John and the girls were all okay and praised Hayley highly for her help.”

The family practised CPR with ambulance staff
The family practised CPR with ambulance staff -Credit:Scottish Ambulance Service

To reward Hayley, Sarah Louise Houghton, Paramedic Team Leader in Aberdeen, welcomed the family to the Ambulance station and gave them a tour.

She was given the certificate by SAS staff members, Poppy Currie, Paramedic, Simon Hughes, Technician, both of Aberdeen Station, and Robert Gordon University student Jack Gunn.

Rebecca added: “We are always extremely proud of our girls but the calmness and strength that Hayley showed that day blew us all away. At such a young age, she truly showed just how amazing she is to us and others around her.

"The verbal praise we received from paramedics was astounding in itself but for her to receive the certificate and be offered into the station was beyond kind and thoughtful.

“We all had an amazing afternoon visiting and seeing them all again. Everyone was so welcoming and offered such a positive experience for the girls after such a scary time. We couldn’t be more grateful for the kindness shown to us both at the time of the accident and at the station visit.”

Sarah said: “The family was lovely and so grateful for the chance to meet the crew and pass on their thanks; they even dropped off a wee bag of goodies for the station which was incredibly kind of them. They were hugely complimentary of the crew, which is so nice to hear.

"Equally the crew were delighted to meet with Hayley again and wasted no time in praising her for all of her efforts. We might have a new recruit in years to come - you never know.”

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