Army Cadet, 14, commended by ambulance service for caring for injured mum

Joey Barrett sprang into action after his mum, Suzanna Ruggieri, blacked out and fell in the garden of their Cambridge home in July.

Drawing on the first aid training he has received through the Army Cadets, Joey remained calm, assessed his mum’s condition and provided care until she had recovered.

Joey developed an interest in first aid from an early age due to his mum's complex medical history. Suzanna has been under the care of neurosurgeons since a brain tumour was first detected in 2020, requiring surgery, followed by a second operation last year. She also suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2023.

Through supporting his mum, Joey has gained a strong understanding of first aid and emergency care. He believes more young people should be given the opportunity to learn life-saving skills.

After the incident, Suzanna later wrote to EEAST's Patient Experience Team to praise her son's actions and describe the care and support Joey provided.

The letter was shared with EEAST Chief Executive Neill Moloney, who decided Joey should receive a formal commendation.

Joey and Suzanna were invited to Cambridge Ambulance Station, where he was presented with his award and given a tour of the station and an emergency ambulance.

The visit was particularly special for Joey, who hopes to become an Army paramedic in the future.

During the visit, he met EEAST Student Paramedic Norman Ekins-Bell, a former Army Cadet who served in the military before joining the ambulance service four years ago.

Norman shared his experiences of both military and ambulance service life, giving Joey an insight into the career path he hopes to follow.

Joey Barrett said:

"It was a real surprise to receive the commendation and visit the ambulance station. I was just doing what I knew I needed to do to help my mum.

"Being in the Army Cadets has taught me valuable first aid skills and given me the confidence to use them when it matters most. I'd encourage everyone to learn first aid because you never know when you might need it.

“I believe first aid training should be compulsory in schools and I’m planning to start a petition to campaign for that. These are skills that can save lives and help people before the ambulance service arrives.

"Meeting Norman and hearing about his journey from the Army into the ambulance service was really inspiring. I'd like to become an Army paramedic one day, so it was great to learn more about that career."

Suzanna Ruggieri said:

"It was amazing for Joey to receive a commendation from EEAST Chief Executive Neill Moloney and to be shown around the station by Norman.

"When I wrote to the ambulance service, I wasn't expecting anything like this. I simply wanted to tell them about the great care Joey gave me, which meant I didn't need an ambulance.

"After seeing how Joey responded and hearing about his visit to the station, I have no doubt that he has what it takes to become a paramedic."

EEAST Chief Executive Neill Moloney said:

"We know how important it is for people to have the skills and confidence to help in an emergency.

"When we read Suzanna's letter, it was clear that Joey deserved recognition. His actions are an excellent example of why first aid training is so valuable. He showed great calmness, maturity and skill during a difficult situation.

"Learning first aid is one thing. Using those skills in a real emergency is another. Joey did that with confidence and stayed calm throughout.

"Helping a family member can be especially challenging. The fact that Joey was caring for his own mum makes his actions even more impressive. He is very deserving of this commendation."