Thursday 20th March 2014 – 8.30am – Claire Brown.
A little girl from West Bromwich, who dialled 999 when her diabetic mum collapsed at home, has been presented with an ambulance service bravery award in her school assembly.
Five-year-old Amaya Williams and her mum Shekera Lodge had just got up on the morning of the 15th February when 28-year-old diabetic sufferer Shekera collapsed. Amaya quickly sprang into action and tried to give her mum a sugary drink; something she’d been taught to do from a young age. When this didn’t work, Amaya dialled 999.
When West Bromwich based Paramedic Victoria Poole and Emergency Medical Technician Karl Wilkins arrived at the house, they were amazed to be greeted by the little girl who quickly explained that her mum was diabetic. Victoria said: “Before we got there, Amaya had put the family dog in the kitchen out of the way which is a very sensible thing to do as we needed space to work in. Amaya was calm and collected and even helped to make a piece of toast to give to Shekera when she came round from her diabetic episode.
“Amaya was really brave, kept calm, answered all of our questions and helped us to treat her mum. She had never phoned 999 before so she was amazing in her mum’s hour of need. She was a little star.”
Victoria and Karl presented Amaya with a bravery award at Glebefields Primary School in Tipton during the morning’s assembly on Wednesday 19th March.
At the assembly, Head Teacher Mrs Thompson, said: “What we’ve learnt from Amaya is that it doesn’t matter how young you are it’s just about having a really good thinking head on. When something happens, just think of all the right things to do, not to panic and just get on with it. I think she’s a clever little girl, she’s done really well and her mum and dad should be very proud of her. Well done.”
Shekera Lodge, Amaya’s mum, said: “It’s nice to know that someone so little can call 999 and can save somebody’s live because that’s what she did for me. We’ve gone through the basics of what type of diabetes I have, what insulin I take and things to do if my blood sugar does go high or low but it’s been a while since I taught her so the fact that she still remembered and was able to remain calm was really impressive. I’m extremely proud and grateful for what she did that day. I’m overwhelmed really as it’s a big achievement for her.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Pictured (left to right): Paramedic Victoria Poole, Mum Shekera Lodge, Amaya Williams, Dad Duane Williams and Technician Karl Wilkins.
Audio highlights of the 999 call recording is available to accompany this press release below.