Hundon girl, 4, given bravery award by ambulance service

Jessica Jenks, of Hundon, near Haverhill, has been experiencing heart palpitations, the cause of which is still under investigation, and fell unconscious while at home with her three young children on July 24. 

Her eldest daughter Harper, four, quickly sprung into action, bringing Ms Jenks' phone to her side so she could dial 999 and then giving the call handler details to help locate their house. 

Harper with her mum Jessica, call handler Ben Goldsmith, paramedics Jacqueline Raven and Robert Field (Image: Newsquest) To recognise her bravery, the East of England Ambulance Service Trust invited Harper and her mum to the new ambulance hub in Bury St Edmunds, set to open officially later this month, for a special award presentation. 

Ben Goldsmith, the call handler who spoke to Harper, presented her with the award. 

Harper with her mum Jessica, call handler Ben Goldsmith, paramedics Jacqueline Raven and Robert Field at the new ambulance hub in Bury St Edmunds (Image: Newsquest)He said: "It was an unusual call, getting a child caller, and it was my fifth shift. 

"It was amazing to find out she was only four, I thought she was a lot older she was so mature for her age and just did everything we needed." 

A first responder, as well as paramedics Robert Field and Jacqueline Raven, were able to find the family home where Harper met them and took them to her mum.

Harper with her bravery award (Image: Newsquest) Mr Field said: "The call handler or dispatcher did ring us up to give us history on the job and tell us young children were on scene and a child was going to let us in. 

"We were expecting for a child to be there distressed and upset so we started planning for that inevitability.

"She seemed really calm when we first got there, she wasn't overly upset which was nice. She looked like she was just being very grown up and sensible." 

Harper with her mum Jessica Jenks (Image: Newsquest) He also stressed the importance of teaching younger children how to call 999 in the event of an emergency. 

Ms Jenks said she was 'so proud' of Harper and added: "I think about it all the time. I think how did she manage to do all of that without anyone present and still look after her siblings?" 

Harper was presented with a EEAST Bravery Award signed by Mr Goldsmith.