Harry to the rescue after dad knocks himself out (From The Northern Echo)

Harry to the rescue after dad knocks himself out

12:00pm Saturday 11th February 2012 in News By Duncan Leatherdale

HARRY BRUNSKILL knew just what to do when his father tripped over a large Lego storage box and knocked himself out.

The seven-year-old remained calm and called 999, told the operator what had happened, provided his address and let the police and paramedics in the front door.

While father Richard might have cause to curse Lego, he also has the Danish-based makers of the interlocking plastic bricks to thank for his swift medical attention.

For Mr Brunskill, 34, and wife Linda, 40, revealed Harry knew just what to do from his favourite book Fire Truck To The Rescue, published by Lego.

“We read it to him all the time and he often asks us what would happen if he dialled the number, like who he would have to talk to and what would happen next,”

said Mrs Brunskill.

“Obviously, he has remembered all of that when this happened. We are so proud of him.”

Police community support officers Rachael Turner and Nicola Firby, were first at the scene and yesterday visited Harry at school to present him with a bravery award.

Mr Brunskill was knocked unconscious after tripping over the large Lego-brick shaped box and banging his head – ironically on Friday, January 13.

Apart from 15-month-old brother Oliver, Harry was the only other person in their house at Sunnybrow, near Willington, County Durham.

“There was blood everywhere, but Harry was so calm and collected, he found the key to open the door and showed us to his father,” said PCSO Turner, who arrived within five minutes.

“It was surely a very scary experience for him, but he acted amazingly.”

Mr Brunskill was unconscious for 15 minutes and was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham for treatment.

He was left with a scar near his left eye and a cut forehead, but said it could have been much worse but for Harry’s actions.

“The first thing I remember is waking up in the ambulance,”

he said.

“Harry did exactly the right thing and I am so pleased he was there to look after me.”

Michael Gardener, Harry’s headteacher at Sunnybrow Primary School, said: “He is an excellent role model to our other pupils and we are all very proud of him.”