'Army cadet training helped save my brother's life'

A 15-year-old army cadet says his training helped to save his little brother's life when he started choking.

Lewis Butler used first aid training when his two-year-old brother Lyndon began choking on his food at dinner.

He said: "Thanks to the skills I learnt, I saved his life. If not, it could've ended a lot different."

Lewis, who has been with the cadets in Spondon, Derbyshire, for over three years, was awarded a certificate from the County Commandant Col Chris Howard for his life-saving actions.

Lewis said the incident happened during a normal family dinner.

"We'd all just sat down eating dinner, as usual. I looked to my right where my little brother Lyndon was sat, and he was red and not making a sound.

"Immediately, you know something's wrong when they're not making a noise and they've gone bright red.

"With me having done my training in the cadets, I knew instantly he was choking.

"I didn't really panic, I thought of it as a normal training situation. After I administered first aid and unblocked his throat, I realised how bad the situation could have been.

"He was OK in the end, he was happy and giving me hugs."

Lewis' mother Natasha Smith and his step-father Steve Melnyk say they both went into a panic when they saw Lyndon choking.

Natasha said: "My instant reaction was to put his fingers down his throat.

"Lewis said 'no mum, don't do that. That could induce vomiting and cause him to aspirate, and further lodge the food'.

"Lewis grabbed Lyndon, tipped him forward and gave him some back blows to his back, and then out the food came. It happened really quick.

"It was second nature to him, he didn't think about it, he just did it. We didn't even know he could do that."

Steve added: "I just went into panic as well.

"I think everyone, especially parents, should have some basic first aid training in case something like that happens."

Julie Smith, 47, a detachment commander at Spondon army cadets, says she could not be prouder of Lewis.

"It's just an amazing thing that he's done for his little brother. I smile every day when I think about it.

"Over the years we've had quite a few stories like this.

"We've had a mum who had a heart attack and her daughter stepped in, and saved her life.

"We've had another one who stopped at a car accident on her way to school and saved an old lady's life after she got hit by a car.

"They come through few and far between, but when they do we try to celebrate everyone's achievements.

"I'm just so proud of him."

Lewis hopes to apply to the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, when he turns 16.

He then plans to get into the British Army's Parachute Regiment.

Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.