Their quick thinking ensured school staff were alerted promptly, and an ambulance was called to provide pre-hospital care for the student.
The student has since recovered.
They were awarded Courage in Action bravery awards.
The presentation took place at the start of the school’s end-of-year prizegiving, with whānau gathered under marquees on the school field.
The day opened with karakia, waiata and kapa haka, before Hato Hone St John presented the awards.
Each boy received a certificate, a cape and a first aid kit.
Marley is an active cadet within the Doubtless Bay St John Youth Division, and he said his involvement in the programme helped in the situation.
“Having St John’s [Youth] training allowed me to think and not worry and know what to do. It was a good feeling to help my friend.”
As part of the St John in Schools programme, Hato Hone St John present Courage in Action bravery awards to school children who act bravely in an emergency or have a positive impact on the wellbeing of others.
Hato Hone St John receives award nominations through the Hato Hone St John community educators, ambulance crews, and emergency call handlers, as well as teachers, family members of the child, and members of the public who were involved in the incident.
Hato Hone community engagement co-ordinator for Northland Natalie Samson said the boys stayed calm and showed maturity in a very frightening emergency situation.
“They showed maturity well beyond their years, showing real mana and doing exactly what was needed to get help quickly.”
The parents of the student who became unwell were also in attendance and showed gratitude to the boys.
“During the award presentation, there was an especially heartfelt moment when the father of the young student who became unwell gifted the three boys with leis made of sweets as a token of appreciation and a sincere thank you.”
She added that the event was a powerful reminder that awareness, courage and doing the right thing can come from anyone, no matter their age.