A five-year-old boy from Ayr has been recognised at Scotland’s Brave@Heart Awards after calling 999 to get help for his mum when she suffered an asthma attack.
Joshua Miller calmly gave the emergency call handler his family’s address and provided updates on his mum’s condition, helping ensure assistance could reach her.
His mum said his actions prevented the situation from becoming far more serious.
Joshua received his award at a ceremony at Bute House on Tuesday, 6 October, attended by the First Minister and Scottish Ambulance Service Chief Executive Michael Dickson.
The Brave@Heart Awards celebrate acts of courage by members of the public, emergency services and voluntary rescue organisations across Scotland.
Joshua was one of three youngsters recognised alongside two Scottish Ambulance Service emergency responders.
Ten-year-old Christopher Chopping, from Penicuik, called 999 after his father Lee suffered a medical emergency caused by an underlying heart condition. His father credited Christopher’s quick thinking with ensuring help arrived in time and saving his life.
Jordan Kerr, 15, an Army Cadet from Drumchapel, used CPR skills learned through the cadet programme to help save a young boy who collapsed at a train station. He restored the boy’s pulse before the ambulance arrived and has since launched a campaign to install a public defibrillator at the station.
Fort William-based technician Harriet Barr and paramedic Ailsa McAleer were honoured after rescuing an elderly woman from an icy stream while off duty. They pulled her to safety in challenging conditions, called for help and supported the responding ambulance crew.
Michael Dickson said: “The actions of all our Brave@Heart recipients are truly commendable. Whether performing CPR on a member of the public, calling 999 for a parent, or retrieving a walker from a river, their quick thinking and selfless actions undoubtedly prevented far more serious outcomes. Each recipient has demonstrated exceptional courage and is thoroughly deserving of this accolade.”