Seven-year-old's 999 call as dad suffered seizure

A quick-thinking and brave seven-year-old boy called Elijah was welcomed to Swindon's Gablecross Police Station for a personal award after he called 999 when his dad had a medical episode.

On 12 June, Eli was at his dad’s address in Swindon when his dad began to suffer a seizure.
When he saw what was happening, Eli ran out of his house shouting for help. He knocked on neighbours’ doors without reply, before bravely calling 999, which he hadn’t done before, recognising the seriousness of the situation.
While on the phone with police call handlers, Eli worked out the address for the operator by counting house numbers and followed their instructions to try and manoeuvre his dad onto his back.
Police and the ambulance service promptly attended and Eli’s dad was able to receive the correct help.
Today Eli – who hopes to become a police officer one day – was recognised for acting so bravely in a very traumatic situation.
He received the Assistant Chief Constable Deb Smith’s Certificate of Appreciation, a Lego police car set, and was also given a personal tour of Gablecross Police Station.
He sat in a police car, testing the blue emergency lights, met Police Dog Canto and visited the custody suite, interview rooms, parade room and control room.  
ACC Deb Smith said: “It was a delight to present this award to Elijah today – he showed exceptional bravery in a really difficult situation.
“He acted so swiftly and showed great initiative to call 999 and then ensure the emergency services were directed to the right address.
“He’s clearly very passionate about policing so it was a privilege to show him around Gablecross and answer his many brilliant questions.
“I hope he goes on to realise his dream of becoming a police officer one day.
“This incident also highlights the importance of teaching your children to both know their address and how to call 999 just in case there’s an emergency. You never know when it might be needed.”