Seven-year-old Franklin from Maidstone has been hailed a hero after his quick thinking got his mum the help she needed after collapsing at home.

Alone with his younger siblings, five-year-old Rosie and two-year-old Teddy, Franklin was able to use his mum’s iPhone SOS feature to dial 999 on Sunday, 24 November 2024 after she became unresponsive at home.

Emergency Medical Advisor (EMA) Sarah Dolphin answered Franklin’s call and immediately categorised it as a Category 1 emergency which is the highest priority response.

Resource Dispatcher Rosie Shale coordinated the nearest available ambulance crew, sending crewmates Paul Wakefield and Tabitha Burton. Within five minutes, they arrived at the family’s home, where Franklin was already waiting at the door, ready to guide them to his mum, Paris.

To recognise his bravery, Franklin and his family were invited to SECAmb’s Medway Make Ready Centre, where they reunited with some of the team involved in the emergency response. Franklin met EMA Sarah Dolphin, who he spoke with on the phone, Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Manager Anna Meredith, Emergency Medical Advisor Team Leader Syreeta Nolan, and Operational Team Leader Rita Hasemore.

The visit included a behind-the-scenes tour of the emergency operations centre (EOC), where Franklin saw exactly where his 999 call had been answered, as well as a special look inside an ambulance.

Franklin’s mum, Paris, said: “I’m so incredibly proud of Franklin for staying so calm, and I can’t thank everyone enough for their help that day. Knowing that he knew what to do in an emergency made all the difference - I’m a very proud mum.”

Sarah Dolphin, who took Franklin’s call, congratulated him on being so brave. “I remember Franklin’s 999 call like it was yesterday. He did an amazing job. For someone so young to stay calm and provide us with the information we needed to get help to his mum quickly is incredible. He should be really proud of himself.”

Following a full assessment at home, Paris was taken to Maidstone Hospital, where tests later revealed she had a blood clot. Thanks to Franklin’s actions, she was able to receive the care she needed.