AN AMBULANCE worker who helped a boy after he was hit by a car has spoken of the incident.

Cheryl Smith, of Beechwood, assessed and comforted Cai Nightingale, who “lay lifeless on the road” on Friday, December 9.

Miss Smith and her mother, Sarah Darling, were heading home after having lunch in Newport, when they spotted “a large crowd”.

Ms Darling, who is a semi-retired psychotherapist, said: “We decided to pull over because we wanted to know what was causing a large crowd.

“Once we had pulled over we spotted the young boy on the floor.

“My daughter went straight to him and did what she always does and helped out.

“I was so proud of her for helping him.

“I think many people working in the NHS deserve to be praised for what they do and that’s what I’m doing now.”

Miss Smith, who hopes to one day become a paramedic, said that once she reached the scene she “assessed the situation”.

“I assessed Cai for any injuries,” she said, “I tried to see what was what.

“I remember him saying that he had pain in his head and pelvis.

“He had a open wound on his head.

“I was worried at the scene.”

The 37-year-old’s mum kept Cai’s mum, Leiann Nightingale, calm, following her son’s traumatic ordeal.

“My mum spent her time trying to reassure Cai’s mum that everything was fine,” said Miss Smith.

“Anyone would be worrying in that sort of situation.

“The best thing people can do is try to calm the person down, which is what my mum did.”

She stayed with Cai until the ambulance arrived.

She said: “I didn’t move him because he could have had an injury which the naked eye could not see.

“I kept him comfortable until my colleagues arrived, which included keeping him warm with a jacket and blankets.

“Before the ambulance turned up, a first response vehicle was there.

“I did what I was trained to do.”

Once the ambulance arrived, Miss Smith did not go with Cai to hospital because she had work, but she did think of how he was doing.

Miss Smith said Cai was brave “considering what he went through”.

She said: “Cai was really, really brave.

“He’s only 12 and experiencing something like he did would make anyone shake.

“I just think he is a very brave young man.”

Following the incident, Miss Smith added that she would encourage people, with knowledge, to not just stand by if someone requires help.

She said: “I was brought up to stop and help people in need.

“Even if all you can do is make a phone call - that can make a real difference.

“I really do think people should help in what ever way they can.”

Cai’s mum, Leiann Nightingale, said that she was “very grateful” for the care shown to her son.

She said: “I was panicking at the time but the one lady managed to calm me down.

“Cai and and I are grateful for what they did.

“I cannot say thank you enough.”