A Scots six-year-old has been described as a "superstar" after he took it upon himself to call an ambulance for his mum when she took unwell at their home in Glasgow.
Benji, of Drumchapel, Glasgow, called 999 as his mum, Becky Garrett, drifted in and out of consciousness on Tuesday, January 25.
Becky explained that she doesn't remember much of the day "except for walking up and feeling horrendous."
She continued: “I was unable to take Benji to school and as the day went on, I gradually began to feel worse and worse.
"Due to having such a high temperature, I really wasn’t with it at all and from my understanding I was drifting in and out of consciousness.”
Noticing how unwell his mum was feeling, Benji decided to call the emergency services.
John McCue was one of three Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) staff members who attended the scene.
He said: “When we arrived, Becky was lying on the sofa. She was responsive to voice, pale and said she was cold.
"When we checked her temperature, it was very high - more than 39 degrees. It was decided that she required further assessment at hospital.
"We ensured that Benji was with a responsible adult whom he knew before leaving for Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.”
John added: “Benji was his mum’s hero that day, realising that she needed help and being brave enough to call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
"When we were leaving for the hospital, Benji gave his mum one of his favourite teddies so she wouldn't be lonely.”
Benji visited the SAS base in Maryhill, Glasgow which is co-located with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, on Saturday, March 5.
The six-year-old, who wants to be a firefighter when he's older, was rewarded with a tour of the fire station and bravery certificate.
Becky said: “As you can imagine, this must have been so scary for a six-year-old to deal with but he did it and thanks to him I got the help I needed and have made a full recovery.”
“I can’t even begin to describe how immensely proud I am of Benji - he really is my superstar.
"Although I have tried my best to make him aware of the importance of knowing what to do in an emergency, I am just so proud that he actually remembered and stayed calm enough to not only dial 999 but also had the initiative to phone a family friend to let them know I was unwell too.”
Following the incident, Becky is now encouraging other parents to teach their kids how to call 999.
She concluded: “If there’s one message you can take from this, it is to please try your best to make them aware of the emergency services number and when is appropriate to use it - it really can make all the difference.
"Who knows what would of happened had Benji not done that for me - he really is my hero.”
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here .
