A Shiremoor toddler's quick-thinking helped get emergency help to his mum when she fell ill with a severe chest infection.
James Eggo, five, called 999 just days before Christmas when mum Kirsty Foster's lips and tongue turned blue. She had told him to call for help if "mammy fell over", but when her lips and tongue began to change colour and she "couldn't speak" little James jumped into action.
His quick thinking on December 22 last year meant North East Ambulance Service health advisor Andrew Broadbent was able to guide him through some key questions which meant the service was able to get help to Kirsty in short order.
Now the family has been reunited with Andrew and little James has received a special bravery award. Kirsty recalled the scary incident, saying: "That day I didn’t feel right at all, and I was really weak. My stepdad was on his way to look after the children and I said to James 'If mammy falls down, ring 999 for help.'
“He sprang into action quite quickly. He told me my tongue and lips were turning blue, but I couldn’t speak to guide him through what to do. James did so well. He brought me a glass of water and said ‘it’s going to be ok mam. They won’t be long.'"
After being tended to by the NEAS crew, Kirsty recovered and was feeling well by Christmas. James' dad Richard - who was at work at the time - continued: "James got an extra present from Santa for what he did that day."
Andrew also paid tribute to how calm the youngster had been. He said: "When I answered the call from James, I heard this soft, sweet little voice. But he was so calm.
"He answered all of my questions and understood what he needed to do when I asked if he could go to his next door neighbour for an adult. Some young children wouldn’t have the intuition to do that. He did a fantastic job."
Andrew, who has worked at NEAS for 18 months said: "It’s important to teach your children what 999 is for, for them to listen carefully to the health advisor, and answer the questions they’re asked as best they can."
To learn more about how to teach children about calling 999, visit the NEAS website.
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