Brave brothers help save father
July 3, 2024in News
At only nine and seven years old, Riley and Levi Cook became heroes after they helped save their father’s life when he suffered a fall in January.
Jason Cook, 39, was at home with his sons cleaning the gutters when he fell roughly three metres.
The impact of the fall left Jason unconscious with injuries to his skull, brain, vertebrae, ribs, wrist and shoulder.
Paramedics Meg McQueen, Brodie Thomas, Bree Doorne and Dale Richards caught up with Jason and Alison Cook and their two sons Riley and Levi on Wednesday.
After hearing the crash, Riley and Levi immediately jumped into action to get help.
“We have security cameras and they showed the kids running to the neighbours’ houses until they found someone who could come help and call Triple Zero,” Jason said.
“Riley also put the dog away and opened the gate so the ambulance could drive straight onto the property. He just kicked into gear and remained calm.”
With no landline phone, the boys instead used their iPads to call family, including their mum, Alison, and grandparents.
“My dad doesn’t do well in medical situations and couldn’t believe how calmly Riley spoke. He said Riley actually kept him calm during their conversation,” Alison said.
When paramedics arrived, Jason was transported to Mildura Base Hospital and later transferred to The Alfred, spending a total of six days in hospital.
Jason and Alison said the outcome could have been very different if it weren’t for the actions of their boys.
“We are so proud of how Riley and Levi handled themselves that day,” Alison said.
“They were both so brave and courageous and we cannot thank them enough. They are true heroes.”
Riley, 9, and Levi, 7, received commendation certificates from AV for their efforts helping their dad, Jason, after he fell roughly three metres in January.
Acting Loddon Mallee Area Manager Brodie Thomas was one of the paramedics who responded to Jason and said he was blown away by Riley and Levi’s quick thinking.
“Riley and Levi showed great composure and courage in an emergency. Their actions helped to save their father’s life and they should be proud,” he said.
“It is important that we teach our children how to respond to emergencies.
“Some simple steps to learn are; Stop, think, and stay safe, Call Triple Zero (000), and Learn your home address so you can tell the paramedics where you are.
While it can be confronting, Alison encouraged all parents to speak with their children about what to do in an emergency.
“Please have that conversation with your kids no matter how young they are. Make sure they know what to do and have a plan in place,” she said.
“You never think something like this is going to happen to your family and you never mean for it to happen, but you need to be prepared in case it does.”
On 3 July the paramedics who responded to Jason caught up with the family and surprised Riley and Levi with commendation certificates for their outstanding efforts.