Girls recognised for helping unconscious teammate

The girls kept one team member - Teri - warm and comfortable, took observations and reassured her until help arrived

A group of Derbyshire police cadets who treated and cared for a team member who fell unconscious during an expedition have been recognised.

The six girls were taking part in a Bronze Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) expedition in the Peak District when they found one member - 15-year-old Teri from Derbyshire - lying unconscious, so they put their first aid training into practise and also called for help.

The teenagers have been recognised by the Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace after staying "positive and calm" during the medical emergency.

Cadet Amelie, from Ashbourne, said: "To know that we worked as a team to potentially save our friend's life, it just felt awesome."

The group met the Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace

The group won the All-stars of the Year category in the annual DofE This is Youth celebration.

The 14-year-old said to be recognised felt "absolutely incredible."

When Teri - who is now doing well - fell ill in May during the expedition, Amelie, Clarissa, Bethan, Emilia and Rosie rushed to help, elevated her legs, kept her warm, checked her heart rate and breathing, and called their DofE leader.

Mountain rescue, as well as air and land ambulances, were called to the scene

Amelie added: "I felt a mixture of emotions. I was worried and a bit unsure of what to do, but then gut instinct kicked in.

"We had practised for situations like this and our leaders were just on the other end of the phone so I knew it would be OK.

"As soon as we could, we took her bag off her and we put her in a nice comfortable position on the floor.

"Some of us called the leaders while I spoke to Teri and did all I could to reassure her."

Although a few of the team members knew each other before, some only met during the expedition

Teri was unconscious in the care of her teammates for nearly 20 minutes.

Dominic Wardle, DofE and Derbyshire Police Cadets leader, then arrived and took over before a mountain rescue team, as well as air and land ambulances, attended and she was taken to hospital.

Amelie said once they knew Teri was OK, they decided to continue.

"We thought that we had come this far... We had to carry on for Teri, and for ourselves."

Mr Wardle said: "The reaction of the group was positive and calm. They were methodical and kept detailed notes about what had happened and what they were doing, which they handed to me when I arrived."

Actor Oliver Phelps, who judged their award category, said they "will be an inspiration to many who hear their story".