We recognise the bravery of five year old boy who raised the alarm as his mum lay unconscious

Tyler Lawrence was getting ready for school when his mum had an epileptic fit and collapsed. An alarm has been fitted in their home which Tyler activated and that automatically alerted London Ambulance Service.

A paramedic then called the house phone which Tyler answered immediately.

His mum Samantha Pretty, of Chessington, said: “He is amazing. He knows exactly what to do if I have a seizure – in fact he’s known what to do since he was two years old.

“He calls the alarm for an ambulance, puts me in the recovery position and gets a pillow to put under my head.”

Carly Jones, the paramedic who spoke to Tyler on the phone, has presented him with a certificate to reward his life-saving skills.

She said: “Tyler was amazing. He stayed calm even though he is just five.

“It was lovely to meet Tyler and Samantha, to learn more about their story and give Tyler the recognition he deserves.

“His mum has done a brilliant job teaching him how to deal with an emergency – all parents should teach their children how to call 999 and basic first aid.  Tyler is a shining example that young children can put the life-saving skills they’re taught into practice.”

In the call, Tyler can be heard saying to Carly “I am going to school now. Mummy has had a fit.”

Tyler talked to Carly until a friend came in and took over the phone call. Carly asked her if she can wake Samantha. The friend tried to rouse her but Samantha was unresponsive.

Samantha was born with a tumour and fluid on the brain which was only discovered when she was eight. Now 32, she has been having regular seizures ever since.

She lives alone with Tyler and when he’s at school, she has a special pendant to wear to call for help.

He knows what medication she needs and is confident to approach strangers for help if she has a seizure when they are out.

If an ambulance is called to their home, when Tyler hears it coming, he goes on to their balcony so he can call to the crew to come up. 

Samantha added: “He has a lot to cope with at a young age but he’s always telling me not to worry. He tells me not to stress about anything and not to rush around because he knows that could cause me to have a fit.

“He also knows what medication I need. If we are out and I have a seizure, he is very confident – he will ask someone to call for an ambulance, telling them his mummy has epilepsy.

“I’m so happy London Ambulance Service has recognised how amazing he is!”