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Brave teens help save man’s life at Margate beach

By: Millie Bowles mbowles@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 05:00, 19 May 2023

Updated: 20:14, 19 May 2023

Courageous teenagers helped save the life of a man who fell into diabetic shock on the beach.

Returning from a swim, the four girls noticed the individual lying prone on his back in Margate, and had “a gut feeling” he was in trouble.

Savanna Sloane was one of the girls who came to the man's aid on Margate beach. Photo: Nicola Appiah-Kontoh

As others walked past unaware, they noticed his body was shaking and his eyes were open, prompting the girls to race into action.

Paramedics have since heaped praise on the “quick-thinking” group who should be “very proud” for helping the man receive the emergency care he urgently needed.

Following an early evening dip, Savanna Sloane, 14, had a “gut feeling something wasn’t right and went over to ask if he was okay,” her mother explained.

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But after noticing his eyes were open and his body was shaking, Savanna, Ocean-Dawn Wild, 13, Ronnie Adams, 14, and their friend knew they had to act fast.

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Ronnie Adams, 14, was one of the group on the beach. Picture: Kyla Adams
Ocean Wild was another of the group who came to his aid. Photo: Natasha Wild

Savanna’s mum Nicola Appiah-Kontoh, 41, explained: “I'm really proud of her because it's a scary situation to come across.

“People on the beach were walking past him, but she had a gut feeling something wasn’t right and went over to ask if he was okay.

“He was unresponsive, his eyes were open and his whole body was shaking - she knew something serious was happening.

“I’m so proud of her just for going over, being caring and making sure somebody was okay, she’s proud of herself too.”

The girls saved a man’s life on Margate beach

It is understood the individual is now in a stable condition thanks to the girls’ actions on May 16.

Ocean’s proud mum Natasha Wild, 47, explained her daughter also suffers medical complications, and the thought of her bravery “makes me want to cry”.

“I just melted when I heard what they had done,” she explained, adding: “It is one of the most important things in the world, to save someone's life”.

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“Ocean has a nut allergy and she has to have EpiPens, so if she was to have a reaction she hopes someone would do the same for her.”

‘I’m so proud of her...’

Also at the scene was Michelle Hughes, a passerby who was flagged down by the group.

The 49-year-old said the girls’ initiative saved his life after they were “so responsible on the phone” to 999.

“Those girls saved his life - I wouldn't have thought anything was wrong and would have walked past,” she said.

“I thought he was sleeping until I saw them talking to him and asking if he was okay.

“They talked to 999 and were telling me what to do, they stayed the whole time and they waved down the ambulance.

“The paramedics took over and they assisted them in carrying everything off the beach.

“They were scared but still caring and so responsible on the phone to 999.

‘Those girls saved his life...’

“So many people walked past him but they had the initiative to help.”

Speaking on Wednesday, Ronnie said: “It was quite scary because I've never seen that before, it was quite a different experience; I was frightened for him.

“I’m glad he’s okay, I have family with diabetes - I was shocked how many people walked past him.”

Her mum Kyla Adams, 47, continued: “They did exceptionally well, she did what she had to do – she’s been in the school newsletter.

“She would do the same again, it’s nice to see something nice about kids rather than about them causing trouble.”

Paramedic Chloe Dodds, who rushed to the beach, said: “Well done and thank you to all of the girls for their quick thinking and actions in assisting the gentleman and ensuring he received the help he needed.

“They were also extremely helpful to us in collecting equipment from the beach.

“They should be very proud.”

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