London Ambulance Service has awarded commendation certificates to two young sisters whose quick thinking during a terrifying medical emergency saved their mother’s life after she suffered a brain bleed at their Croydon home.
Six-year-old Pearl demonstrated remarkable composure when her 35-year-old mother Carole collapsed unconscious following a seizure, with the young heroine unlocking her mum’s mobile phone to contact 999 whilst her four-year-old sister Amelia looked on.
The girls recently met the emergency teams who responded to their call, receiving certificates from paramedic Charlotte Aisbitt before touring an ambulance—a celebration their recovered mother Carole described as “the proudest day of my life.”
“I knew Pearl was smart, but you don’t know how a child will cope in an emergency,” Carole stated, having made a good recovery following hospital treatment revealing she had suffered a brain haemorrhage.
Pearl’s emergency call to handler Gen Hinds provided crucial medical details despite her terror, with the six-year-old explaining she found her mother “lying on the sofa” with “her eyes keep opening and closing” whilst noting Carole had been shaking and foaming at the mouth.
“I’m really, really scared,” Pearl admitted during the conversation, though she maintained sufficient composure supplying their home address and confirming her mother’s breathing by observing chest movement when Ms Hinds requested verification.
Ms Aisbitt reached the family within five minutes in a fast response car, describing both children as “incredible” and crediting them with life-saving actions.
“When I arrived, it must have been so frightening for Pearl and Amelia, but they remained calm and really helped me,” the paramedic recalled. “They listened carefully to what I needed and even helped pack everything they would need for hospital.”
An ambulance crew arrived approximately five minutes after Ms Aisbitt, transporting Carole to hospital where medical staff diagnosed the brain bleed.
When questioned about her emergency knowledge, Pearl explained simply: “I knew the number and I just memorised it because I really love my mum.”
Stuart Crichton, London Ambulance Service’s Director of 999 operations, urged parents teaching children emergency procedures including memorising full addresses and understanding how to open front doors.
The case demonstrates the critical importance of children understanding basic emergency protocols, with Pearl’s preparedness ultimately proving the difference between tragedy and recovery for her family.
