An 18-year-old high school student is being praised for his swift actions after performing CPR on a woman who suddenly collapsed outside East Shopping Centre in Whanganui on Sunday.
According to Stuff, Will Ellis was heading towards a shop when he heard calls for help and rushed to assist. The woman, later identified as Dorothy Dalton, had collapsed while walking into a store.
Dorothy’s daughter, Jenny Dalton, immediately contacted emergency services and remained with her mother until help arrived.
“Yesterday my mother collapsed while heading into the shop and I proceeded to call 111,” Jenny Dalton recalled to Stuff on Monday.
“Then a young boy named Will Ellis came over and assessed the situation and proceeded with CPR.
“When paramedics arrived she had a faint pulse but was breathing and thanks to Will she is here with us today,” Stuff has quoted.
Jenny Dalton expressed gratitude for Ellis’ intervention, saying his actions may have made the difference between life and death.
“Your quick response may have saved her life and me and my family are truly grateful,” as quoted by Stuff.
Ellis said he quickly assessed the situation and found no signs of a pulse.
“I checked her pulse and she had no pulse, so I began compressions.”
The teenager continued CPR for approximately eight minutes before ambulance crews arrived and took over treatment.
Ellis credited recent first-aid training gained through his volunteer work with Coastguard for helping him respond confidently in the emergency.
“I volunteer with Coast Guard, so I had done my first aid course not long ago. So I was pretty up to date with what to do,” Stuff has quoted.
Emergency responders arrived equipped with an automated external defibrillator (AED) and continued efforts to stabilise Dalton.
“They had the AED and stuff and managed to … I think she only had a faint pulse or something when she left,” as reported by Stuff.
Dalton was transported to the hospital shortly afterwards, while Ellis remained at the scene.
Reflecting on the incident, Ellis said the experience reinforced the value of first-aid knowledge, particularly among young people.
“I think it is good for young people, like myself, to know these things, because you never know if you’re going to get into a situation like it,” Stuff has quoted.
He encouraged others his age to learn lifesaving skills that could prove crucial during emergencies.
“You never know if you’re going to get into a situation like it,” as quoted by Stuff.