Hero pupils rush to the aid of classmate (From The Argus)

Hero pupils rush to the aid of classmate

12:30pm Saturday 30th June 2012 in News By Siobhan Ryan

QUICK-THINKING classmates have been praised after stepping in to help a schoolboy who almost hanged himself in a freak accident.

The 11-year-old pupil ended up with just minor injuries following the incident in the cloakroom at West Rise Junior School in Eastbourne.

Frightening Sussex Police said it appeared that the boy’s jumper became tangled around his neck whilst he was playing near some cloakroom clothes pegs, causing him to be suspended in the air.

He was quickly released by the other pupils, who then |carried out first aid on |him, while others went to get help.

Inspector Damen Funnell, from Eastbourne’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This was a very frightening incident for the youngster and other pupils who were with him when it happened.

“Their swift actions in getting him down and performing first aid undoubtedly prevented this from being far more serious.”

The boy was taken to Eastbourne District General Hospital with his family to assess his injuries.

Sussex Police said officers had worked with them and the school to provide advice and help where appropriate.

The incident was not treated as suspicious.

A spokesman for South East Coast Ambulance Service |said crews were called to |the school in Chaffinch Road at around 10.50am on |June 21.

He said: “We sent clinicians in an ambulance and a car to the scene.

Proud “The clinicians assessed and treated the boy at the scene before taking him to the hospital for further assessment.

“We are always extremely grateful of any first aid provided at the scene of an emergency prior to our arrival.

“The actions of the boy’s fellow pupils in quickly informing a teacher and coming to the boy’s aid were vital to him avoiding serious injury.

“They should be very proud.”