A COURAGEOUS 11-year-old boy who helped save his mum’s life has been commended by the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS).

Ethan Barnes was praised for using his courage and quick thinking when he rescued his mum after she fell into a river whilst out on a bike ride.

Ethan and mum Sarah Barnes were enjoying their bike ride along the River Irwell in Ewood Bridge when disaster struck and the bank gave way resulting in Sarah falling into the river and injuring her leg.

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After realising his mother was unable to get out of the river, Ethan quickly called 999 for an ambulance, calmly explaining the situation and their rural location to the operator.

Ethan helped the operator understand the situation and followed the instructions given to take care of her until help arrived.

He then ran to the nearest main road to assist the ambulance crew and Mountain Rescue team in locating his mother whilst ensuring he kept returning to check on her condition.

Paul Roberts, for NWAS, said: “When our ambulance crew arrived, Sarah was stuck in the freezing cold water up to her hips and was in danger of contracting hypothermia.

“Ethan quickly directed us to his mother and if it hadn’t been for his bravery and mature response in what would have been a very traumatic ordeal for him, Sarah could have come away with more serious injuries than she did.

“I would like to thank Ethan on behalf of the Ambulance Service for his exceptional attitude and courageous actions which could quite possibly have saved his mother’s life. Well done.”

Paul presented Ethan with an NWAS Junior Lifesaver Award at an assembly at his school, Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, where he spoke to classmates about the importance of knowing how to react in an emergency.