BOURNEMOUTH TODDLER DIALS 999 TO SAVE MUM'S LIFE (From Thisisdorset)

BOURNEMOUTH TODDLER DIALS 999 TO SAVE MUM'S LIFE

7:30am Monday 13th July 2009 in

By Victoria Owen »

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A TODDLER who had been learning about calling 999 from playing doctors and nurses went on to save her mum’s life.

Two-year-old Isabelle Keeling – who had also seen TV’s Tweenies ringing for an ambulance – called the emergency services after her mum Joanne collapsed at their home in Bournemouth.

Police officer Mrs Keeling began to feel an intense itching in her throat and tongue due to her allergic reaction to latex when a piece of rubber from Isabelle’s clothing became exposed.

She collapsed before she had enough time to grab her Epi-pen, a shot of adrenaline administered in emergency situations, but managed to tell Isabelle to get the phone because “Mummy is poorly”.

The next thing she knew, her toddler was speaking to the emergency services and asking for help.

Mrs Keeling said: “When the paramedics arrived it suddenly dawned on me just how truly amazing my daughter is for being able to help me in this way.

“At just two years old she knows her full name, address and phone number. Never did I imagine her wonderful ability to retain information would one day make her a hero.”

As a police officer, Mrs Keeling is used to toddlers making unnecessary ‘999’ calls so she was worried Isabelle might do the same after being taught about it.

She was even concerned when, after BBC TV’s The Tweenies featured the characters learning about calling for an ambulance, Isabelle kept repeating the phrase “999”.

But since her emergency, she said that it is a good idea for children to be educated on how to contact the emergency services responsibly.

Mrs Keeling said: “Children are a gift of love and joy, and in my case, potentially saving my life.”

Comments(10)

grumps999 says...
8:02am Mon 13 Jul 09

Well done Isabelle. It is a shame that the minority have caused concerns over the misuse of the 999 service. We hear so many stories of children calling 999 for serious incidents like this only to be judged because of the mindless people who call either hoax or for ridiculous reasons.
Teaching how to use the emergency services in schools and on TV is an excellent idea.