News
05/03/2008
Scout honoured after saving two from burning car
AN 11-year-old Scout who pulled his mother and best friend from their burning car has been presented with a bravery certificate by ambulance paramedics.
Robert McGowan, known as Rabbie, was honoured for his quick-thinking actions at a ceremony held at Grayshott Scout Hall, Surrey. Last December, Rabbie was travelling with his mother and his friend when their car went out of control, hit the central reservation and ended up in a ditch beside the road.
He said: ‘I don’t remember a lot, but I remember being in the car on its side and I remember the fire. I didn’t have time to be scared, I was just thinking about how to get out of the fire.’
His mother Karen continued the story: ‘I was trying to open my door and window in the front, but they wouldn’t move. The back doors were jammed too.
‘Rabbie managed to force the handle on the rear window until it had opened a bit. Then he pushed at the glass until there was a big enough gap to escape. He got himself and Tom out, before helping me through the window too.
‘The car was destroyed very quickly and I dread to think what would have happened if Rabbie had not acted so quickly.’
None of the passengers suffered any serious injuries from the accident. Paramedic John Vivian said: ‘In my opinion, if Rabbie had not acted so very quickly then all three would have perished in the fire that consumed the car so rapidly.’
Lifesaving Scouts
If you know of someone who's involvement in Scouting has saved or improved a life, then contact web.team@scout.org.uk with details of the story.
