A 10-year-old girl from South Wigston who saved her mum's life by calling 999 has been presented with a special bravery award at her school.
Paige Matthews, dialled 999 after her mum, Faye Snow-Tyler, had a fit while asleep at 03.00 on Wednesday, 22 February and blood started coming out of her mouth.
Paige bravely spoke to EMAS emergency medical dispatcher Aimee Hinds in a calm way for nearly 20 minutes during the life-threatening situation.
She also checked her mum’s breathing and pulse, and kept her eight-year-old brother Shaun calm until our paramedics arrived.
Today, Paige was presented with the Laverick Award at Parkland Primary School for showing great bravery during such a frightening situation.
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 birthday in September 2013.
Paramedics Kathy Farmer and Anya Donald are part of the Laverick Team and were full of praise for Paige.
Anya said: "Paige remained so calm and brave during what would have been a really scary time. She is truly deserving of this award."
Faye, 30, who was taken to hospital but discharged after tests, has since listened to a recording of the call between Paige and EMAS emergency call handler Aimee Hinds.
The mum-of-two, a learning disabilities support worker at a care home, said: "That night I had gone to bed and the next thing I knew there was a paramedic waking me up telling me I had had a seizure.
"Listening to the recording brought a tear to my eye.
"I listened to it with Paige at home and she got quite upset.
"It was amazing to hear how calm and brave she was.
"I have no doubt she saved my life. It is lovely that she has been given this award. It is difficult to put into words how proud I and the rest of the family are of Paige. She is a star."
Aimee also praised the schoolgirl. She said: "Paige was, without a doubt, the best child-caller I have ever spoken to.
"She remained brave throughout the call and was even able to care for her younger brother. She should be so proud of her actions and for remaining calm during what would have been a really scary situation."
Paige explained that she knew how to call 999 because she had watched an episode of CBBC 'Operation Ouch'. In May 2016 Doctors Chris and Xand Van Tulleken spent time in the EMAS control room and learnt how to take a 999 call.
Paige hopes to be a midwife when she grows up.
