'I care for my buddy': Arkansas second-grader saves his friend's life after dangerous scooter accident
PARIS, ARKANSAS: The phrase "A friend in need is a friend indeed" got real when an Arkansas second-grader saved his friend's life after an almost fatal scooter accident. The two children were on their scooters on October 6 when they went over an uneven patch of gravel before falling and hitting the ground. While Jase Brown received no injuries, his friend Liam Woods had a broken skull and fractured neck.
Brown first sought help from his neighbors then quickly sprinted toward his home and got back with a first-aid kit. "Liam was really hurt and I didn't want to leave him there hurt," Brown told 5News. "I had to go get some neighbors to help him up because I care for my buddy," he added. Those heartwarming words and his act of upright bravery were undeniably praiseworthy.
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Following the severe injuries, Woods was taken to an emergency room. The seven-year-old was airlifted to Arkansas Children's Hospital where according to reports, the child had a traumatic brain injury from his brokwn skull and had fractured his neck in two places. There were chances that Woods might become paralyzed due to the injuries. "I'm just happy my friend is OK and not in bad condition," said Brown about his friend's state. Woods is now wearing a neck brace for support.
Incidentally, a day after the incident happened to be 'Superhero Day' where students were allowed to dress up as their favorite Disney character or a superhero. Brown wore a Batman cape to his school, Paris Elementary School, which honored him for his efforts to save his friend.
Principal Lakaen Schluterman awarded Brown with a 'Superhero' certificate during the school's pep rally. "I was glad we got to do that in front of all his peers, like look what he did, he stepped up and took action. This is something all of you can do, no matter how old you are, no matter what," Schluterman said.
Woods' family were present at the ceremony as well. "They didn't have to do that and they're all so gracious and kind," said Woods' grandmother Rhonda. Stating that her her grandson had to be careful now, she said, "The prayers, they have gone out of their way to make sure Liam is okay."
While the details of the accident are still unclear, when Woods will be back in school, he will be under "extra care" from all the faculty members and classmates.