‘Scared’ six-year-old calls ambulance to save mum
Young Heroines Save Mother’s Life After Brain Bleed
In a heartwarming display of bravery, a six-year-old girl named Pearl played a pivotal role in calling emergency services and saving her mother’s life after a critical brain bleed. Alongside her four-year-old sister, Amelia, the siblings were recognized by the London Ambulance Service (LAS) for their quick thinking and calm response during the incident.
Last summer, Pearl and Amelia were at home in Croydon when their 36-year-old mother, Carole, collapsed unexpectedly. The event unfolded swiftly, with Carole experiencing a seizure and losing consciousness. Paramedic Charlotte Aisbitt, arriving within minutes, praised the girls for their composure under pressure.
“The girls were incredible—they saved their mum’s life,” Aisbitt remarked. “When I arrived, it must have been so frightening for Pearl and Amelia, but they remained calm and really helped me.”
Pearl, who had memorized the emergency number, took charge by unlocking her mother’s phone and dialing 999. She described the situation clearly to the call handler, Gen Hinds: “She’s lying on the sofa… she’s not awake. Her eyes keep on opening and closing.” The child also noted her mother was foaming at the mouth and shaking, and accurately provided their address when asked.
“I’m really, really scared,” Pearl told 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.”
Following instructions, Pearl confirmed her mother was breathing, which was crucial for the paramedics. The sisters even assisted in preparing essentials for the hospital trip. Carole, now recovered, expressed immense pride in her daughters’ actions.
“I think this is my proudest moment,” Carole shared. “I knew Pearl was smart, but you don’t know how a child will cope in an emergency.”
As part of their recognition, the girls were given a tour of an ambulance and shown key life-saving equipment. LAS’s Stuart Crichton highlighted Pearl’s exceptional performance: “Pearl did absolutely brilliantly in a terrifying situation—she stayed calm, gave clear information, and helped get lifesaving care on the way.”
Crichton urged parents to teach their children basic emergency skills, including how to dial 999, recite their full address, and open the front door. He emphasized the importance of these actions in critical moments. The story also encourages listeners to follow BBC Radio London on their platforms and submit story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk.
