10-year-old boy saves mum’s life with 999 call as she suffers a stroke

A 10-year-old boy who called 999 when his mum suffered a stroke at home has thanked the London Ambulance paramedics and call handler for coming to their aid at a heart-warming reunion.

Isaiah was awarded a certificate at London Ambulance Service’s Waterloo Headquarters to recognise his bravery after he dialled 999.

He was getting ready for football when mum Sabrina collapsed at their home in Sydenham, south-east London.

Sabrina, 36, said:

“I was on the phone to my mum and I started slurring my words. My mum asked if I was having a stroke.

“Isaiah came into the bedroom – I couldn’t form words for him and fell to the floor. He started crying and called 999.

“I know he was overwhelmed and scared but he handled the situation with such grace.”

A stroke happens when the body stops supplying blood to the brain which can kill brain cells and affect how the body works.

Isaiah, 10, said:

“I feel really proud for saving my mummy.

“When she stopped talking, I had to call London Ambulance otherwise she would have got worse. I was very worried and then I heard the sirens.”

He ran to let London Ambulance crews Josh and Amelia in when they arrived at the door.

Isaiah took them through the bedroom where his mum had fallen. They treated Sabrina and took her to King’s College Hospital.

Sabrina added:

“I’m very proud that Isaiah has been recognised for his bravery and that he has used what I’ve taught him about calling 999 in an emergency.

“Parents should always teach their children how to call the ambulance service because an emergency could happen at any moment.

“He felt very chuffed being rewarded with a certificate and was very excited to see Josh and Amelia again – they chatted a lot about what he has been up to.

“The paramedics definitely inspired him and he’s eager to learn more about the ambulance service.

“Having a stroke was a complete shock to the system and it took me time to get on with my day-to-day life.

“However, through a change of diet and exercise, I’ve been able to slowly get back to where I should be.”

Paramedic Josh, from Bromley Ambulance Station, who was among those who responded to Sabrina, said:

“Sabrina is still here smiling because of what Isaiah did. He remained very calm and told us exactly what happened to his mum.

“He was quite overwhelmed by the sirens so we gave him some headphones so he could listen to music when we took them to hospital.

“We stayed with Isaiah until his father arrived. Isaiah just wanted to know that his mum was ok.

“Parents should teach their children how to call 999, ensure they know their address and listen to instructions given by the call handlers. They will guide your children on what they need to do in an emergency.”

Josh added:

“Stroke is a life-threatening emergency and members of the public should follow the FAST acronym: This stands for: face, arms, speech and time to call 999.

“It’s not often we get full circle moments like this for us. It helps us understand what happens after we leave patients at the hospital and allows us to reflect on the difference we make as clinicians.”

Symptoms of stroke may include face weakness, arm weakness or speech problems.

A stroke is more likely to happen if you’re older, but it can happen at any age.

999 is for life-threatening emergencies like serious road traffic accidents, strokes and heart attacks. Find out more about when to call 999 on our website here.