Five-year-old boy from St Austell helps save his mum's life
Arthur called 999 after his mum collapsed at home over Christmas
Last updated 26th Jan 2023
Five-year-old Arthur from St Austell helped save his mum’s life over Christmas, after she collapsed on the day after boxing day - with no warning.
The family is sharing their story in the hope that it might encourage other families with young children to prepare for emergencies at home.
On 27 December, Arthur found his mum collapsed on the floor at home, shaking and shivering.
Ashleigh said: "I can’t remember much now, but I’ve since learned that Arthur, who was the only other person in the house at the time, picked up the phone and called 999 at the start of my first seizure.
"At some point Arthur did this after finding me on the floor and he continued talking to the emergency services when I had two more seizures.
"Arthur was so brave and stayed by my side, looking after me and listened to instructions on the phone from the 999-call handler."
After being diagnosed with epilepsy last year, Ashleigh prepared her family in the event of an emergency.
She set up educational, role play games with Arthur, teaching him how to call and tell emergency services who he is and where he lives.
She also set up short dial phone numbers so Arthur could not only ring 999 if needed but also so he could quickly call his Dad to update him of any urgent situation.
Devon and Cornwall Police, Police Constable, Amy Holloway from the St Austell team said: "We were first on the scene to look after mum and Arthur and to check their welfare ahead of the ambulance arriving.
"Arthur was very brave throughout the whole emergency, he stayed on the phone while mum became unconscious, listening and following the directions of the 999-call handler.
"He opened the front door ready for us, so we could check that both were okay. We administered first-aid until paramedics arrived and they delivered lifesaving intervention."
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly’s Police Commander, Ben Deer added: "We’re really pleased to hear that mum is recovering and we’re especially pleased to hear that Arthur received a well-deserved bravery award at St Mewan Primary school in assembly recently.
"It’s really important that families take time to prepare for emergency situations in a practical and fun way like Ashleigh and her family did, so they can react calmly to whatever may happen in their home – to know what to do if they need help from the 999 team."
Mum Ashleigh is recovering well, thanks to the brave actions of Arthur, who said: "I want to be a policeman now."