A teenage girl has been praised for her bravery after her younger sibling suddenly collapsed and became unconscious.
Ruby-Louise, from Sittingbourne, was at home with her brother Tyler when he quickly started to become unwell.
The 14-year-old quickly alerted her parents and helped him sit down, supporting his head as he collapsed.
Remaining calm under pressure, Ruby-Louise dialled 999 and spoke to emergency medical advisor Clare Stewart, who triaged the call and classified it as a Category 1 emergency – the most serious level of response.
Clare gave the teenager detailed and clear instructions on how to place Tyler in the recovery position and to monitor his breathing.
In the Emergency Operations Centre was resource dispatcher and associate ambulance practitioner, Lucy Swatton, who coordinated a team of six to respond to the urgent call.
Community first responders Lewis O’Callaghan and Craig Day were at the home within six minutes of the call, followed closely by critical care paramedic Jim Walmsley, paramedics Matthew Chambers and Daria Baranowska and associate ambulance practitioner Diana Parker.
Craig said: “As soon as we saw the call come in, both Lewis and I self-allocated to the incident, which was just roads away from where we were in Sittingbourne.
“As a volunteer in the community, it’s fantastic to have the opportunity to be able to reunite with those we’ve helped and we’re glad to see Tyler doing so well.”
Tyler was brought back to consciousness and assessed before being taken to Medway Maritime Hospital for a short stay, where it was later confirmed that he has epilepsy.
The brain condition, which affects approximately 112,000 children and young people within the UK, causes sudden seizures, also known as fits.
Although not curable, it can be effectively managed with the right treatment.
Following the incident in June and to congratulate Ruby-Louise on her bravery, the family were invited to Medway’s Make Ready Centre in Gillingham, where they were reunited with Clare, Lucy, Lewis, Craig, Matthew, Daria and Diana.
She was presented with a certificate and was given a tour of the facility.
Ruby-Louise’s mum, Sophie, said: “I am so proud of Ruby-Louise for calling 999 and following clear instructions from call taker, Clare, and even more proud that she’s been recognised by the service for her bravery.”
