In a heartwarming and life-saving moment, an eight-year-old boy from Kidderminster became a hero when he calmly called 999 to save his mother’s life. Ryan Reid, now nine, demonstrated remarkable composure as his mother, Alicia, experienced a severe allergic reaction that left her unable to speak or breathe.

A Calm Call During Crisis

The incident occurred in August 2023, when Alicia, 27, suffered anaphylaxis after being prescribed a new antibiotic for a misdiagnosed UTI. As her condition rapidly worsened, Alicia found herself struggling to breathe. Little Ryan, noticing his mother’s distress, immediately took charge, dialing 999 and providing the call handler with crucial information, including his mother’s symptoms, date of birth, and address.

Ryan’s Quick Thinking Saves the Day

Alicia, reflecting on the ordeal, expressed her pride in her son’s actions. She described how Ryan, typically a quiet and shy child, managed to stay calm throughout the call, even informing the ambulance crew of the location of her inhalers and the details of the medication she had taken. “He saved my life,” Alicia shared, recalling how she could feel herself losing strength and feared she might pass out before help arrived.

A Mother’s Gratitude

Hearing the playback of Ryan’s emergency call was an emotional experience for Alicia, who couldn’t remember much of what happened that day. She praised her son’s maturity, noting that she had taught him from a young age how to respond in case of an asthma attack. “Usually, he’s very anxious, but in that moment, he was incredibly brave. I’m so proud of him.”

The Importance of Teaching Kids Emergency Skills

Ryan’s quick actions didn’t just surprise his mother; they also impressed the West Midlands Ambulance Service. A spokesperson from the service commended Ryan for his bravery and highlighted the importance of teaching children how to call for help in emergencies. “Ryan was amazing, staying incredibly calm in what must have been a very frightening situation. He did everything right, and his actions undoubtedly saved his mother’s life.”

A Lesson for All Parents

Alicia’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of preparing children for emergencies. She credits Ryan’s knowledge and composure to the early lessons she gave him about using emergency services. “From the age of four or five, I taught him to call 999 if he ever needed to,” she said. This early education proved vital when it mattered most.

A Remarkable Young Boy

Ryan’s ability to handle such a high-pressure situation with maturity and grace is nothing short of remarkable. His mother couldn’t be prouder of her son, who, despite his usual shyness, stepped up in a critical moment. Alicia is immensely grateful that her boys were with her that day, and she’s thankful for the second chance at life that Ryan’s actions provided.

An Inspiration to Others

Ryan’s story serves as an inspiration to parents and children alike. It emphasizes the value of teaching kids how to respond in emergencies and showcases the incredible courage that even the youngest among us can display in times of crisis. Ryan Reid may be a quiet and shy boy, but on that fateful day, he was a hero who saved his mother’s life.