Student honoured for helping his injured mate

A Year 6 student has been praised by Paraburdoo police for his quick and calm thinking to help his injured friend.

Daniel Bruce was at the Paraburdoo skate park earlier this month when his friend was injured, cutting his leg.

The youngster quickly sought help from police, guided them to his injured friend, and then stayed to comfort his friend while he received treatment in hospital.

Paraburdoo Sen. Const. Barry Osborne awarded Daniel a WA Police merit award for his quick thinking.

He said he kept his friend company and then found an adult to stay with him while he ran and got the police.

“I directed the police to where he was, right next to him, so he didn’t have to walk as far, and we carried him to the car,” Daniel said.

“Then we went to the hospital and sat by his side, making sure he was OK, and I was there about an hour and a half.”

Daniel said he was surprised to receive the award, and he was happy to have helped his friend.

He said everyone at the school was impressed when he was recognised at the assembly.

“It felt pretty good — I had parents I didn’t know give me high-fives and stuff,” he said.

Paraburdoo Primary School deputy principal Caragh Livingstone said she was impressed by Daniel’s quick thinking and compassion.

“It was really good that he was there by his side,” she said.