Siblings recognised by ambulance service after quick actions to get help for mum

The attending ambulance crew were so impressed by the actions of eight-year-old Kayla Ibrahim and her five-year-old brother Kiyan that they nominated both children for a Trust bravery award.

The incident happened at the family’s home in Colchester when the children’s mum, Shayma, fainted, fell, and hit her head. Kayla immediately asked Kiyan to get help from neighbours while she stayed by her mum’s side.

Thanks to their quick thinking, paramedic Julia Simmons, responding in a rapid response vehicle, arrived within seven minutes after neighbours had called 999. She was shortly joined by an ambulance crew made up of Pre-Hospital Practitioner Abigail Keller and Emergency Medical Technician Bethany Godfrey.

Shayma regained consciousness, and crews assessed her before transporting her to hospital for further checks.

To recognise their courage and swift actions, Kayla and Kiyan – along with their mum, Shayma, and dad, Rapar – were invited to Colchester ambulance station, where they were presented with bravery awards.

Claire Crawford, locality clinical manager for EEAST in Suffolk and north east Essex, presented Kayla and Kiyan with the awards.

She said:

“It’s so important to recognise children when they act as bravely as Kayla and Kiyan did that day.

“Their actions ensured their mum received swift care from our teams.”

Paramedic Julia Simmons added:

“We were all so impressed with Kayla and Kiyan that we felt they truly deserved recognition.

“It was a pleasure to meet them again and present their awards – they were incredibly brave.

“Many people freeze in emergencies, but they didn’t. They acted quickly, got help, and were able to answer important questions that helped us give their mum the best possible care.”

Proud mum Shayma said:

“I’m so proud of Kayla and Kiyan for getting help for me so quickly.

“Seeing them receive their bravery awards from the ambulance service was a very proud moment.”