Sisters' bravery honoured

Two girls from Crowborough, who dialled 999 when their mother became unwell, have been praised for their bravery.

Niamh Bradbury, nine, and her six-year-old sister, Darcy, had to call for an ambulance when their mum suffered breathing problems caused by the severe stomach pain she was suffering from.

Jo Bradbury had woken that morning with pains in her stomach but brushed them off as just a bug.

Jo said: "The pain got so bad that it started to affect my breathing. This is when I told Niamh to call her Dad. But before he arrived, I told Niamh she would have to call for an ambulance.

"I don't remember a great deal after that but we are so very proud of both the girls. They were very brave."

The controller who took the call, Robin Kissack, presented the sisters with with certificates at a special assembly at their school in Rotherfield.

Robin said: "Niamh did a fantastic job of looking after mum and her sister during a difficult situation.  She followed all of my instructions and even her sister Darcy, keen to help, kept watch for the ambulance while I spoke with Niamh.

"This call clearly highlights how important it is to teach children what to do in an emergency as you never know when you may need to call for an ambulance.

"Simply teaching children your home address and telephone number will help us in getting help to you as quickly as possible." 

Jo was taken to Kent and Sussex Hospital where she was kept under observation for three days.  It is suspected that she suffered acute gastroenteritis.