‘Scared’ six-year-old calls ambulance to save mum
Young Heroine Recognized for Life-Saving Actions
A six-year-old girl, Pearl, who played a pivotal role in calling emergency services and saving her mother’s life after a brain bleed, has been honored by the London Ambulance Service (LAS) alongside her younger sister. The incident occurred last summer in Croydon when Carole, Pearl’s 36-year-old mother, suffered a seizure and lost consciousness. Pearl and her four-year-old sibling, Amelia, were present during the event.
Pearl informed the call handler that she had memorized the emergency number because she deeply loved her mother, ensuring she could reach help promptly. “She’s lying on the sofa… she’s not awake. Her eyes keep on opening and closing,” Pearl relayed during the call. She also described her mother’s condition, noting foaming at the mouth and shaking, and provided their address without hesitation, according to LAS.
“I’m really, really scared,” Pearl said, prompting the call handler, Gen Hinds, to respond: “Don’t be scared, we are coming.”
Following instructions, Pearl confirmed her mother was breathing by checking her chest movements. Paramedic Charlotte Aisbitt, who arrived within five minutes via a rapid response vehicle, called the girls’ actions “remarkable.” “When I arrived, it must have been so frightening for Pearl and Amelia, but they remained calm and really helped me,” Aisbitt added. The sisters even assisted in gathering all the essentials for the hospital trip.
Carole was diagnosed with a life-threatening brain bleed during her hospital treatment. After a successful recovery, she expressed immense pride and happiness when meeting the emergency teams and receiving commendation certificates. “I knew Pearl was smart, but you don’t know how a child will cope in an emergency,” Carole reflected.
Stuart Crichton, director of 999 operations for LAS, stated: “Pearl performed exceptionally well in a frightening situation, maintaining calmness and providing precise details to ensure timely life-saving assistance.” He emphasized the importance of teaching children these essential skills, including calling 999, knowing their full address, opening the front door, and understanding when to initiate an emergency call.
As part of their recognition, the sisters were given a tour of an ambulance and shown life-saving equipment. LAS urged parents to encourage their children to learn these critical steps, highlighting the value of early intervention in emergencies.
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