Exeter brothers praised for emergency response

Two young brothers have been commended for knowing what to do in an emergency. 

Their dad, March Le-fey, had a seizure caused by hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) at the family home in Whipton, Exeter. 

He had collapsed, was unconscious, and needed urgent medical help. 

Six-year-old, Isaac, called for help from his nine-year-old brother, Elliot who dialled 999. 

Elliot told South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) 999 Call Handler Lucy Frith exactly what was wrong. 

The boys and their family made a special visit to the SWASFT Control Centre in Exeter on Thursday 31 January to be formally acknowledged for their actions.

They were presented with certificates on behalf of SWASFT Chief Executive Ken Wenman to congratulate them for what they did. 

Elliot said: “Issac came sprinting up the stairs. It was scary, but I knew I had to call 999.” 

March, who has regular seizures, said: “I can’t remember the incident, but I became aware of what had happened when I came round. 

“I couldn’t be more proud of the boys. They were so brave; they were phenomenal.” 

Emergency Medical Dispatcher, Lucy, praised Elliot and Isaac for their response to the emergency.  

She said: “Both boys were outstanding. Isaac knew it was serious, and ran to tell his brother. Elliot was so grown up and knowledgeable on the phone. They acted so quickly and maturely in a life-threatening situation. Afterwards I was speechless.” 

SWASFT urges parents to teach their children what to do in an emergency. 

That includes showing them how to call 999, making sure they know their address, and ensuring they are aware of any known health problems in the family.  

The incident happened in November when March, who is Type 1 diabetic, was preparing breakfast for Isaac. 

March realised he was having a hypo, and alerted Isaac who woke-up his brother.  

Elliot first called his step-dad Ashley Curtis who works as a SWASFT paramedic, and Ashley told him to call 999. 

Mum Liv, who is a registered nurse, returned home from a night shift moments later to find March lying on the floor and Elliot on the phone. 

Paramedics soon arrived to assess March, who stopped fitting and didn’t need to go to hospital. 

Elliot wrote a letter to SWASFT on behalf of him and Isaac thanking staff for “saving” their dad.  

He said: “I called you and told you that my dad has Type 1 Diabetes, and was having a hypo. I told you where I live, and my name and age. Then you came and saved him. Thank you for saving our dad.”