AN aspiring teenage firefighter saved his brother’s life after the tractor he was driving flipped over.

Quick-thinking Elis Jones, aged 17, even made a landing pad using toilet paper to help the Air Ambulance crew land near the scene of the accident on the farm.

Elis and his brother, Rhys, aged 24, were working on their family farm in Llandyrnog when Rhys’ tractor rolled over twice.

Rhys suffered a serious head wound and was bleeding badly.

Elis acted quickly and rang 999, made his brother comfortable and delivered first aid. 

He marked out the field with toilet roll in order for the helicopter to land and then assisted the paramedics with their equipment.

Rhys was taken by air ambulance to Wrexham Maelor Hospital, however, he did not suffer life threatening injuries and has recovered well.

The air ambulance team and the paramedics praised Elis for his actions and for keeping calm and composed.

“I was two fields down from Rhys and was watching and saw the tractor roll I went straight to him and got him straight on his back, I called 999 and talked to the crews so they knew where to go. After the paramedics came they said the Air Ambulance was on the way so I marked out the field with toilet roll so they could land. 

“It was the best thing I could think to do,” added Elis.

This was the second life-threatening accident for Rhys in a year.

After last year’s Denbigh and Flint Show he was one of three men who were hurt in a serious crash as they walked on the Bodfari road.

He said: “If it wasn’t for Elis’ quick thinking who knows what might have happened and because of his training he was able to help a lot. I am very grateful to Elis for what he did and I am so proud that he has had this award because he deserves it.”

In recognition of his actions Elis has been presented with a community award from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

It has been a lifelong dream of Elis, a young instructor with Prestatyn Young Firefighters, to become a firefighter.

Elis said: “The award means a lot to me because it’s my main ambition to get into the fire service.

“I have applied now and I am just waiting for my results.”

Lord Lieutenant of Clwyd, Harry George Fetherstonhaugh presented medals to staff from the fire service and members of the public who have helped improve safety in the community.

Rhys and Elis’ mother, Rhian, said: “As a family we are extremely proud of his actions. 

“I am not surprised by the way he acted, he has always been like that – all he has ever wanted to be is a firefighter.

“I think he has it in his blood because his grandfather was a retained firefighter in Ruthin.

“Rhys was bleeding profusely from a head wound, if Elis had not acted I don’t want to think what could have happened.

“Rhys was in an accident at the Denbigh and Flint Show last year so we have been through a lot this year.

“Elis is always calm in an emergency.”