Local Boy Scout Helps to Save Mother's Life

A local boy scout went above and beyond the call of duty when he stepped up to save his mother's life. 

Shawn Johnson, 14, of Finksburg provided first aid and treatment for shock to his mother after she was severely injured from a blow to head from a horse. 

He was honored with a national heroism award by the Baltimore Area Council Boy Scouts of America on June 16 at the Baltimore County Agricultural Center. 

Shawn is a member of Troop 9 Chartered to Emory United Methodist Church in Upperco. 

On Aug. 7, 2010, Shawn's mother, Deborah Gottlick, was visiting a local farm where she boards her animals, when she was kicked in the head by a horse. 

Her son forced her to stay still on the ground while he called an ambulance and took his shirt off to apply pressure on the cuts on her head. 

She was then transferred to the Sinai Hospital Intensive Care Unit. Since the accident, she has been on disability at home recovering from a severe concussion and is expected to make a complete recovery. 

"I am very blessed to have survived this accident and for having a son that under pressure acted so quickly," said Deborah in a statement. "My son is my hero." 

"I am grateful for all of the training that I received with the scouting program," said Johnson in a statement. "Because of this training, I was fully prepared and trained for this emergency situation. I could not imagine life without [my mother]."