A brave 11-year-old boy who helped his mum when she developed sepsis and collapsed at home has been presented with an award to recognise his actions.
Toby Roe was at home in Rutland Crescent, Harworth, in July last year when his mum, Jane, became very ill and called 999.
While she was on the phone to our 999 call handler, Jane began losing consciousness, and when our ambulance crew arrived minutes later, she had collapsed.
With Toby’s help, ambulance crew Phil Tunnicliffe and Claire Penney were able to reach Jane, get her into the ambulance and take her to Bassetlaw District General Hospital for life-saving treatment.
Emergency Care Assistant Phil explained that Toby met the crew at the back door, which he had already unlocked, and showed them to where his mum had collapsed.
He said: “Toby was fantastic from the moment we arrived. He was so brave, lots of other children his age would have panicked in his situation.
“He wanted to help and even offered to carry our defibrillator to the ambulance.
“Both Claire and I were so impressed and had tears in our eyes afterwards, so we wanted to make sure Toby was recognised for his courageous actions and brave attitude.”
Following Toby’s brave actions during the emergency, Phil and Claire nominated him for a Laverick Bravery award which recognises young persons of courage. Toby was presented with the award today at his school - Harworth Church of England Academy in Harworth, Doncaster.
The Laverick Award, which recognises children and young adults who have gone above and beyond to help another, is in memory of Nick Laverick – a paramedic team leader who died of cancer on his 37th birthday in September 2013. Nick’s friends and colleagues decided to continue his legacy through this award.
Sepsis is a rare but serious complication of an infection. Without quick treatment, sepsis can lead to multiple organ failure and death.