‘Scared’ six-year-old calls ambulance to save mum

Young Heroine’s Courage Shines in Life-Saving Call

A Family’s Unforgettable Moment

During a summer afternoon in Croydon, a six-year-old girl’s decisive action proved pivotal in saving her mother’s life. Pearl, alongside her four-year-old sister Amelia, responded swiftly when their 36-year-old mother, Carole, experienced a sudden brain bleed. The London Ambulance Service (LAS) recently honored both children for their bravery, highlighting their role in an emergency that could have had dire consequences.

The sisters were at home when Carole collapsed, losing consciousness after a seizure. Pearl, who had memorized the emergency number, initiated the call. Her calm demeanor and clear communication helped guide the situation, ensuring critical care was dispatched quickly. Paramedic Charlotte Aisbitt, arriving in under five minutes, praised their composure, noting their contributions were “incredible.”

Steps That Saved a Life

Pearl’s actions began with unlocking her mother’s phone and dialing 999. In a moment of fear, she described the scene to the call handler: “She’s lying on the sofa… she’s not awake. Her eyes keep on opening and closing.” The child also noted her mother’s symptoms, including foaming at the mouth and shaking, while providing their exact address without hesitation.

“I’m really, really scared,” Pearl admitted to the operator. “I knew the number and I just memorised it because I really love my mum, so I made sure I knew how to call it.”

The paramedic, Gen Hinds, reassured Pearl, saying: “Don’t be scared, we are coming.” Pearl followed instructions to check for breathing, confirming her mother’s chest was rising and falling. This detail, combined with their accurate location, expedited the response and ultimately led to successful treatment.

Recovery and Recognition

Carole was hospitalized and received treatment for the life-threatening bleed. She has since made a full recovery and expressed immense pride in her daughters. “I think this is my proudest moment,” she shared. “I knew Pearl was smart, but you don’t know how a child will cope in an emergency.”

The sisters were also given a tour of an ambulance, where they saw the equipment that played a role in their mother’s rescue. LAS director Stuart Crichton emphasized the importance of children being prepared for emergencies, urging parents to teach their kids key skills like dialing 999, knowing the full address, and opening the front door.

Lessons from a Young Hero

Crichton praised Pearl’s performance, calling it “brilliant” in a “terrifying situation.” He highlighted her ability to remain calm and provide vital information. “The girls saved their mum’s life,” he said. “When I arrived, it must have been so frightening for Pearl and Amelia, but they stayed composed and helped me.”

The incident underscores the value of emergency preparedness, especially for families. LAS encourages parents to equip their children with these skills, ensuring they can act confidently in moments of crisis. For Pearl, the experience was a test of courage, and her actions have become a testament to the power of quick thinking and love.

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