Commendation for paramedic’s son who stayed calm when calling 999

A Southend paramedic at the East of England Ambulance Service has told of her pride of her 12-year-old son who raised the alarm when her stepfather fell ill.

Sadie Sampson has spent years telling her son Harley how to call for an ambulance in a medical emergency. And Harley knew just what to do when he heard his step grandfather, John, fall in the kitchen when he was staying at Sadie’s parents’ home in Hockley, Essex, during Easter.

He found John on the ground unresponsive after hitting his head and immediately called 999, staying calm as he told call handler Kathryn d’Arcy in the Norwich Emergency Operations Centre about John’s condition and that he is a type 1 diabetic.

Thanks to Harley’s call an ambulance dispatched as an urgent priority and was on the scene within ten minutes.

John had regained consciousness, and the fall was down to low blood sugar levels – known as a hypo – which was the first time John had suffered a serious case of this in seven years.

He was transported to hospital for further assessments and was discharged shortly afterwards.

Harley’s actions earned him a commendation from EEAST CEO Tom Abell – and he was presented the award at Southend Ambulance Station in front of his proud mum and a grateful step grandfather.

Also present were the crew who attended the call – paramedic Caroline Smith, emergency care assistant Stephanie Boston and emergency medical technician Vincent Springer.

Sadie is urging all parents and guardians to educate their children on the basics of what to do in a medical emergency.

Sadie Sampson, who is a leading operations manager at Southend Ambulance Station, said:

“I am incredibly proud of Harley and thankful he was at home with John when this happened.

“It’s so important that everyone knows what to do in a medical emergency. I would urge everyone to go through even just the basics with their children of calling 999.

“You never know when it is going to be needed and it’s important life skill to have.”

Tom Abell, chief executive at EEAST, said:

“We like to recognise children who show bravery in calling 999 with commendations.

“This commendation is extra special as Harley is the son of one of our people and Sadie has an important message around educating children what to do in medical emergencies.”