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

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

A six-year-old girl named Pearl, who played a critical role in saving her mother’s life during a severe brain bleed, was celebrated alongside her four-year-old sister Amelia by the London Ambulance Service. The incident occurred last summer in Croydon, where Pearl demonstrated remarkable calmness and quick thinking when her mother, Carole, suddenly collapsed.

Carole, 36, experienced a seizure and lost consciousness, prompting the children to act swiftly. Pearl, who had memorized the emergency number 999, confidently initiated the call. Her actions were described as “incredible” by paramedic Charlotte Aisbitt, who arrived in under five minutes.

“She’s lying on the sofa… she’s not awake. Her eyes keep on opening and closing,” Pearl told the call handler, Gen Hinds. She recounted her mother’s symptoms, including foaming at the mouth and shaking, and provided their address without hesitation. “I’m really, really scared,” she admitted.

Hinds reassured the girl, saying, “Don’t be scared, we are coming.” Pearl followed instructions to check her mother’s breathing, confirming her chest was rising and falling. The paramedic praised the siblings, noting their composure helped streamline the rescue effort.

Carole later recovered well and shared her gratitude, calling the moment “my proudest.” She highlighted how Pearl’s preparation, including knowing the emergency number, made the difference. “I knew Pearl was smart, but you don’t know how a child will cope in an emergency,” she reflected.

As part of the recognition, the sisters were given a tour of an ambulance and shown vital equipment. LAS director Stuart Crichton emphasized the importance of teaching children essential emergency skills, including calling 999, stating their ability to remain calm was “brilliant” in a terrifying situation.

Follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram for more stories like this. Send your ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk.