Little Ruby reunited with rescue hero
Published: July 11, 2007
IT was hats off to firefighter Ian Nicholson from little Ruby Fillingham, the toddler whose life he saved.
And moments after Ian saved Ruby’s life, the only thing on his mind was to get to work in time to start his shift.
Fourteen-month-old Ruby had stopped breathing when Mr Nicholson, aged 28, jumped off his bike and used his first aid skills to resuscitate the tot.
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Ruby’s parents Lorna Smith, aged 23, and Shane Fillingham, aged 22, were at Bolton Central Fire Station yesterday to see Mr Nicholson commended for his actions.
But the firefighter, who had just four months’ experience when he came to Ruby’s rescue, confessed he never expected the attention.
“It all happened so quickly that I went on to autopilot,” said Mr Nicholson.
“I was just happy Ruby was all right when I left her and my main concern afterwards was to get to the station on time because I hadn’t been with the fire brigade very long.”
Amber watch recruit Mr Nicholson had been riding along Newbrook Road, Over Hulton, at about 5pm on March 7 when he noticed Miss Smith in distress and realised Ruby was turning blue. He laid the tot on the floor and used a finger to press on Ruby’s chest before giving her mouth-to-mouth and watching over her until paramedics arrived.
Yesterday, a modest Mr Nicholson admitted he was “a bit embarrassed” at being awarded a commendation by Greater Manchester Fire Brigade.
But Miss Smith, of Mealhouse Lane, Atherton, said: “Ian’s a hero to all our family. It’s nice to see him get an award for what he’s done.”
Doctors believe Ruby may suffer from a form of epilepsy but apart from one similar incident, she has been fine since. Assistant county fire officer Kieran Nolan, who presented Mr Nicholson’s commendation, said: “I’ve had 19 years in the fire service and can count very few occasions when I’ve had the opportunity to save somebody’s life, even in a fire situation.
“Ian’s professional and prompt actions ensured the life of Ruby Fillingham was saved.”
After the ceremony, Mr Nicholson admitted his greatest reward was seeing Ruby happy and smiling.
“I live in Atherton, so I see them around and Ruby’s lovely,” he said.
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