Girl, 7, who helped save mum gets award

A seven-year-old girl who helped save her mum who was having an asthma attack has been given a bravery award.

Brooke dialled 999 on the morning of 23 October and explained that her mother Chelsea was struggling to speak due to the life-threatening attack.

She let paramedics into her home in Rochford eight minutes after the call was made.

Surrounded by her proud parents, the caller handler and the medics who attended the scene, the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) bestowed Brooke with its award at Southend ambulance station.

Due to her mum's long-term condition of brittle asthma, Brooke had been taught how to react.

Brittle asthma is a rare form of the condition, with symptoms that can be unpredictable and occasionally life-threatening.

Chelsea has since made good recovery.

"Her quick thinking saved my life," said Chelsea, who said all children should be taught how to dial 999.

"I am forever grateful for her courage and the swift response of the paramedics."

Brooke's call was picked up by Stuart Leader, a call handler based in Norwich.

"Child callers always leave a lasting impression," he explained.

"She showed extraordinary bravery, providing me with the critical information needed to secure a category one response for her mum.

"Brooke's courage and composure undoubtedly saved Chelsea's life."

Simon Knight, an emergency medical technician, was at the scene along with paramedic Winston Chin.

"Had she not shown this composure this could have been a very different outcome for Chelsea," Mr Knight said.

Both Mr Knight and Mr Chin praised Mr Leader as an "unsung hero" for his part in keeping Brooke calm.

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