Brave little girl saves sister’s life after learning first aid

A young Perth girl who used her newly acquired first aid skills to save her big sister’s life has been hailed a hero.

Eight-year-old Tia Cummins was taught life-saving skills through St John WA’s First Aid Focus program, which ran classes at her Swan View school last month.

Within hours of completing the course, Tia’s sister Bella, 15, suffered a seizure, which prompted Tia to jump into action.

“I stayed calm and rolled her over and checked her airway,” Tia said.

“I checked to see if she was breathing.”

Tia alerted her parents to the medical emergency and an ambulance was called.

Thankfully, Bella has now recovered and is grateful to her little sister.

“She did a good job,” Bella said.

“She’s only eight, but she put all her fears aside and helped me.”

St John WA organised a reunion between Tia and her family and the St John WA trainer who taught the First Aid Focus class – Lana Smith.

Lana came bearing gifts for the family and a special trophy for Tia.

“What a brave and incredible girl Tia is,” Lana said.

“We try to teach children to stay calm and that is exactly what she did.”

Accidents can happen at any time and sometimes the only person available to help is a young person.

St John WA offers free first aid training to students so they will know what to do in an emergency.

Find out more HERE.