Arabella (11), a pupil at Omarama School, was awarded a St John Super Saver Bravery Award earlier this week for her actions after her mum fell from a horse earlier this year.
On the evening of March 14, Arabella and her mother Kerryn Thomas were riding their horses along the Ahuriri River bed when Kerryn was knocked off, resulting in four fractures to her spine.
Arabella sprang into action to get help for her mum, who was unable to move.
"I tied the horses up and grabbed Mum’s phone but it didn’t have any reception."
Arabella made the quick decision to leave Kerryn where she was to search for help.
She climbed a steep bank and ran out on to State Highway 8 to flag down a passing car.
The first car went straight past but she managed to attract the attention of a second passing vehicle.
Within 15 minutes of the accident, some assistance had come to her mother who was transported to Timaru Hospital shortly afterwards.
Her mother was treated for a broken spine before spending several months recuperating at home.
"I’m so grateful to Arabella for the way she remained so calm and collected," she said.
"She even packed my bags for hospital. My sons wouldn’t have done that.
"But at the accident she just knew what to do and was so calm, did not panic."
She said the injury could have been a lot worse — the only downer was she could not go riding with Arabella while she recovered, which had been frustrating for them both.
St John head of community education, Jacci Tatnell, said Arabella’s actions were another wonderful example of how young children can save lives.
"Arabella’s actions affirms the importance of teaching basic first aid to every child in New Zealand.
"We know that equipping children with the skills and confidence to take action in an emergency will save lives and build stronger, more resilient communities," Ms Tatnell said.
To date, more than 900,000 pupils had completed the St John in Schools programme since 2015, with a goal to reach a million pupils by next year.
