Here's how 11-year-old Washington schoolgirl helped to save her dad's life
An 11-year-old schoolgirl from Washington has been presented with a certificate from the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) after being credited with potentially saving her dad’s life.
Lucie Raine, 11, knew something wasn’t right about her dad David as she was getting ready for school on January 30.
She contacted her mam Gemma, who left work to come and check on her husband, where he began having a seizure, prompting her to call 999.
Nathan Patterson, the paramedic who attended to David that day alongside his colleague Liam Smith, was so impressed with the way Lucie handled the incident that he paid a visit to Barmston Village Primary School to present her with a certificate on behalf of North East Ambulance Service (NEAS).
Nathan said: “When we got there, David wasn’t necessarily unwell, just confused. Some kids would probably have just gone to school and not given it another thought, but Lucie recognised her dad wasn’t well and got him the help he needed.
“If she hadn’t done that, her dad would have been home alone when he had his seizure, which could potentially have been life-threatening. He’s now getting the medical care he needs and Lucie played a key role in him getting that diagnosis.
“I was really impressed with the way Lucie handled the whole situation. She was very brave, despite being upset due to her dad being unwell, and was able to provide me with excellent information when we arrived, which allowed me to make sure David received the correct care.
“She should be very proud of herself.”
Lucie said: “It was very scary when it happened, seeing my dad so poorly and him not being himself. I was very scared because I didn’t really know what was happening, I just knew he needed help.
“I feel fine about it all now. I now know all about my dad's condition and what to do if it happens again. I was very surprised when I read the letter from the NEAS about the presentation. I wasn't expecting it at all.”
David spent five days in hospital having suffered further seizures when he got there, and has now been diagnosed with epilepsy, which is being treated with medication.
The 47-year-old said: “I had been having some periods of passing out, which I was undergoing tests for, but until that point had never had a seizure. Normally I feel flushed and put myself on the floor because I can feel I’m going to pass out, but that day I can’t remember a thing about it.
“I couldn’t be prouder of Lucie, she handled it all amazingly and if it wasn't for her we will never know what would have happened.
“I am so lucky to have amazing support from all my family. I don't know what I would do without them.”
Recalling the incident, Lucie’s mother Gemma said: “I was at work when Lucie messaged me on her way to school to say she thought her dad had passed out as he was acting strangely.
“She was upset so I told her to head back home and I’d meet her there. When we got back, David was standing up and was confused so I knew at that point she was right, he had blacked out. Within five minutes of me being home, he had a seizure.
“I phoned for an ambulance and while I was on the phone he came round and didn’t know what was happening, so Lucie took over the phone so I could look after David. She then opened the door for the ambulance crew and explained what had happened, then looked after the dog.
“Lucie’s been around when he’s blacked out before but has never actually seen it happen first-hand so it was all a bit of a shock to her.
“We’re all getting used to it still but we’ve explained it all to her and reassured her he’s okay and have obviously told her about ringing 999 if it ever happens again when she’s on her own with him in future.”
Speaking after the presentation, Sara Bainbridge, head teacher of Barmston Village Primary School, said: “We are all extremely proud of Lucie for her quick thinking, maturity, and care of her dad. She is a role model for our children in school. Well done Lucie.”