A four-year-old girl from Clare, Suffolk, has been recognised for her remarkable bravery after calling 999 to save her mum when she became unresponsive at home.
Esmai, who has autism and a speech delay, dialled emergency services in December when her mum, Lauren Everitt, was unable to respond. Despite her delayed speech, which meant she had only learned to speak fully a year ago, Esmai’s quick thinking helped get an ambulance to her mum, who fortunately recovered.
Quick Thinking and Courage
During the call, Esmai calmly explained to call handler Hollie Kett that her “mummy isn’t feeling very well” and while she was still breathing, she was not awake. Esmai’s clear and precise information allowed emergency services to locate their home through the phone signal and dispatch paramedics immediately.
Lauren regained consciousness, and with her daughter’s help, was able to provide further contact details for family members, allowing them to care for Esmai while she was taken to West Suffolk Hospital.
“I’m incredibly proud of how Esmai reacted when I couldn’t respond,” said Lauren. “She was able to get help for me by calling 999, and it’s amazing that, despite her delayed speech, she could communicate with the ambulance service. For her to receive this award is phenomenal.”
Award Presentation
Esmai’s bravery was recognised by the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust, which presented her with a bravery award. The presentation took place at Sudbury ambulance station, where Esmai was also reunited with Hollie Kett.
Ms Kett, who handled Esmai’s call, described the moment as unforgettable: “Esmai was incredibly brave on the phone, and thanks to the information she provided, I was able to send an ambulance crew to help her mum. It was an absolute pleasure to meet Esmai in person and give her a big hug.”
Esmai’s achievement has been a huge source of pride for her family, with her mum saying, “She hasn’t stopped talking about the award to her friends at school.”
