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

Young Heroine Saves Mother’s Life After Brain Bleed

A six-year-old girl named Pearl demonstrated remarkable bravery by calling emergency services and playing a pivotal role in saving her mother’s life when she suffered a severe brain bleed. Alongside her four-year-old sister Amelia, they were honored by the London Ambulance Service (LAS) for their quick thinking and calm response during the incident.

Emergency Call and Family Support

Last summer, Pearl and Amelia were at home in Croydon when their 36-year-old mother, Carole, collapsed after a seizure. Paramedic Charlotte Aisbitt arrived in under five minutes, praising the girls for their “incredible” actions during the crisis.

“She’s lying on the sofa… she’s not awake. Her eyes keep on opening and closing,” Pearl told the call handler, Gen Hinds, with steady confidence. She also described her mother’s symptoms, including foaming at the mouth and shaking, while providing their address without hesitation.

Despite being “really, really scared,” Pearl followed instructions to check her mother’s breathing and confirmed her chest was moving. Aisbitt, who was joined by other emergency crew members shortly after arrival, noted how the children helped organize their hospital belongings and assisted in the response process.

Recovery and Family Reflection

Carole was taken to the hospital, where doctors identified the life-threatening bleed on her brain. She has since made a full recovery and expressed deep pride in her daughters’ actions. “I knew Pearl was smart, but you don’t know how a child will cope in an emergency,” Carole shared.

“I think this is my proudest moment,” Carole added. “They met the emergency teams and were presented with commendation certificates, which was incredibly rewarding.”

The LAS director of 999 operations, Stuart Crichton, highlighted Pearl’s performance in a “terrifying situation.” He encouraged parents to teach children essential emergency skills, such as calling 999, knowing their full address, and understanding when to seek help.

As part of the recognition, the sisters were given a tour of an ambulance and shown critical life-saving equipment. Their story underscores the importance of early intervention and the role of children in emergency situations.