09 November 2023 , 12:25
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A brave six year old girl saved her mum's life by calling 999 when she suffered a severe asthma attack.
In frightening audio of her emergency call, young Cali-Maii Ball is heard telling the operator: "I think my mum is having an asthma attack - mummy is really struggling to breathe''. Cali-Maii woke up to find her mum Lauren, 25, gasping for air at their home in Hornchurch, East London.
She quickly called 999, explained what was happening, gave their exact address and unlocked the door for the paramedics. The team from London Ambulance Services praised Cali-Maii for her quick thinking. They arrived in just four minutes to find Lauren close to losing consciousness and near cardiac arrest.
Cali-Maii and her mum Lauren (London Ambulance Service / SWNS)
Little Cali-Maii Ball holds up a thank you card for the London Ambulance Service (London Ambulance Service / SWNS)Lauren, a mum-of-two, said: "Cali saved my life. If it wasn't for her calling 999 so quickly and the paramedics intervening so promptly, this would have been a really different story. Cali's actions were life changing and if our story can help even one more parent get the help they need in a life-threatening situation, I'd be over the moon. I'll never be able to show them all how grateful I am for saving me."
After the incident, Lauren stayed in hospital for six days. To prevent similar episodes, she will soon start a new injection treatment. Cali-Maii has now been reunited with the London Ambulance Service crew who responded to her emergency call. In a touching reunion, they presented the youngster with an award for her bravery.
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Lauren fears she would have died if it wasn't for her little girl's quick thinking and bravery (London Ambulance Service / SWNS)The team emphasised that the incident highlights the importance of teaching children how to respond in emergencies. The London Ambulance Service advises that children should know their home address, how to dial 999, and how to unlock the front door after making the call.
Paramedic Sam praised the little girl, saying: "Cali-Maii is a real hero. A few extra minutes could have cost her mother her life. Lauren was very close to going into cardiac arrest and it was Cali's incredibly quick cry for help that saved her."
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