MEMBERS of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council have commended a school girl who used her First Aid training to save the life of a man she found unconscious.

During a recent committee meeting, Councillor Paul Blake SDLP said he wanted to raise the positive story of Aoife Straume – a student at St. Fanchea’s College, Enniskillen and a part-time council employee at the Lakeland Forum.

He explained Aoife was on her way home from school when she discovered the man and quickly ascertained he had stopped breathing.

“Using her training learned at the Forum, she provided assistance, called an ambulance and performed CPR. She talked with the emergency services until they arrived and they were extremely grateful.”

Councillor Blake called for a letter of commendation to be sent to Aoife by Councillor Diana Armstrong, in her role as council Chair, “thanking her for the kindness given to this man and saving his life in her heroic efforts – well done to Aoife”.

Recalling a discussion with Aoife’s mother, Councillor Blake added: “It was her training in the Lakeland Forum that ensured she remained calm and was so composed when calling the ambulance. It shows that training deserves thanks as well.”

Independent Councillor Josephine Deehan remarked: “This young lady is to be highly-commended for her rapid action and quick-thinking by implementing her skills.

"That is not an easy situation, particularly for one so young to take on. A lot is at stake, but it just shows you the benefits of training in First Aid and CPR.”

Councillor Errol Thompson, Democratic Unionist, told the Chamber his party supported a letter of commendation, as did Councillor Barry McElduff on behalf of Sinn Fein.

Independent Councillor Bernice Swift praised Aoife for “her initiative and swift actions".

She continued: "It’s wonderful to hear somebody didn’t just walk on by and do nothing. How fantastic! She’s quite rightly well commended by all of us in this Council area.”