Because I really love my mum, I made sure I knew how to call 999

A six-year-old girl who dialled 999 when her mum suffered a life-threatening bleed on the brain has been honoured alongside her younger sister by London Ambulance Service.

Carole, 36, collapsed at her Croydon home last summer after suffering a seizure and losing consciousness.

She was alone with her two daughters, Pearl and Amelia, who were just six and four at the time.

Despite being frightened, Pearl acted immediately. She unlocked her mum’s phone, dialled 999 and told call handler Gen Hinds: “She’s lying on the sofa… she’s not awake. Her eyes keep on opening and closing.”

She calmly described how her mum had been foaming at the mouth and shaking, and clearly gave their address when asked.

At one point, Pearl admitted: “I’m really, really scared.”

Gen reassured her: “Don’t be scared, we are coming.”

Following instructions, Pearl checked to see if her mum was breathing. She confirmed that her mum’s chest was rising and falling.

Paramedic Charlotte Aisbitt arrived in a fast response car in less than five minutes, followed by an ambulance crew a few minutes later.

Charlotte said: “The girls were incredible – they saved their mum’s life. When I arrived, it must have been so frightening for Pearl and Amelia, but they remained calm and really helped me.

“They listened carefully to what I needed and even helped pack everything they would need for hospital.”

When asked during the 999 call how she knew what to do, Pearl said: “Because 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.”

Carole was taken to hospital, where doctors discovered she had suffered a life-threatening bleed on her brain. She has since made a good recovery.

To recognise their bravery, Pearl and Amelia were invited to meet the emergency teams who helped them.

Charlotte and Gen presented the sisters with commendation certificates and thanked them personally for their actions.

During the visit, the girls were given a tour of an ambulance and shown some of the life-saving equipment on board.

Carole said: “I am so happy and so proud. I think this is the proudest day of my life. I knew Pearl was smart but you don’t know how a child will cope in an emergency.”

London Ambulance Service Director of 999 operations Stuart Crichton, said: “Pearl did absolutely brilliantly in a terrifying situation – she stayed calm, gave clear information, and helped get lifesaving care on the way.

“Teaching your child how to call 999 in an emergency could save a life. They need to know their full address, how to open the front door, and when it’s appropriate to ring so help can get to you as quickly as possible.”

For more information on when to call 999, visit our website: Calling 999 – London Ambulance Service NHS Trust