A YOUNG Forest life-saver has been shortlisted for St John Ambulance's annual awards ceremony.

Forest E-ACT Academy student, Ziggy Littlefair, 12, has been named as a finalist for the Guy Evans Young Hero of the Year, which recognises a young person who has saved a life with first aid or has made an extraordinary first aid achievement.

Her invitation to the star-studded event in London, which takes place on March 26, comes after Ziggy put her life saving skills to good use when she was out in the snow last winter.

One of her friends had an accident, leaving her leg trapped underneath a sledge, as her friend began to panic, Ziggy reassured her, ensuring everyone around her stayed calm while sending a friend to get help. Drawing on the first aid knowledge she had learnt at school, Ziggy quickly recognised a potentially serious injury. She knew that her friend could go into shock, yet being unable to lift her legs due to the injury, resourceful Ziggy kept her warm with coats and monitoring her closely until help arrived.

Ziggy continued to learn first aid and, when her grandmother experienced chest pains, she acted confidently, instructing her mum to call an ambulance quickly.

When paramedics arrived, they found that she had correctly diagnosed her grandmother's heart attack, and her swift intervention had ensured that timely treatment was given.

Since then, Ziggy and her teacher have set up a lunchtime first aid club for more than 25 pupils, so that more young people can learnt to be the difference between life and death.

Principal, Tanya Prosser said: "We try to maximise all our children's potential both academically, physically and socially.

"The learning of independence and living skills is just as important as academic learning, and first aid is fundamental to that. It has been fantastic to have St John Ambulance to provide quality training for all our young people and it has been very successful.

"Through St John Ambulance's training and resources we are able to equip the next generation with invaluable life skills by teaching them first aid. Learning first aid also helps to improve self-esteem as well as teamwork and communication skills."

The Everyday Heroes awards programme was launched to celebrate the ordinary people who have used first aid to save a life and the individuals and businesses that have championed the cause, helping to create more first aiders in our communities.

The Young Hero award Ziggy has been nominated for is held in honour of Guy Evans, who died when first aid might have given him a chance to live.

Steve Hargreaves, South West regional director for St John Ambulance, said: "This year's finalists have some truly remarkable stories to tell. We can't wait to welcome these deserving nominees on the evening and show our appreciation for their selfless efforts."