Five-year-old dials 999 when his mum collapses on the floor
The East of England Ambulance Service has awarded a Southend youngster a special certificate of recognition after he sprung into action when his mum Michelle Adcock fell ill at her home on Wednesday, October 17th.
Alex Adcock had just finished eating his breakfast and was getting ready for school when he realised his mum had collapsed on the floor. He immediately said: “This is a job for Alex,” and proceeded to dial 999, telling the operator he needed an ambulance.
The call was put though to clinical assessor Gemma Old at the Health and Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC) in Chelmsford.
Gemma said: “I asked the little boy for his name, address and how I could help. He told me his mum was sick and lying on the floor. I reassured him that an ambulance was on its way and asked him to check his mum’s condition at regular intervals.”
When the ambulance crew arrived Gemma asked Alex to open the door so that they could attend to her.
Michelle, who was just over three months pregnant at the time, said: “I hadn’t been feeling that well for a couple of days and was suffering from dehydration and stomach problems.
“On that day I remember getting Alex ready for school when I suddenly felt some severe stomach pains causing me to fall on the bedroom floor. I called to Alex who immediately dialed 999.”
Alex, a keen swimmer and budding gymnast, was taught how to ring the emergency services by his dad Martin, who said: “I am extremely proud of Alex who excels at everything he does. The most surprising thing about the incident was that I never physically showed him how to dial 999; I just briefed him on the process a few months before."
When he was presented with his award on Wednesday, Alex gave Gemma a big smile and said: “Thank you very much - I can’t wait to show my friends at school.”
HEOC general manager Glenn Young said: "We're very pleased to hear that such a young person has used the service so responsibly, and that he was able to help his mum at what must have been a distressing time.
"It goes to show how important it is for children to be shown how to use 999 correctly - not only does it mean they can help a loved one, but they will also hopefully have respect for the service and not use it irresponsibly."
