Brave 12-year-old saves mum’s life

12-year-old Matilda Little has been recognised for her bravery and quick thinking after she helped save her mum, Katarina, during an anaphylactic reaction.

On 1 November, the pair were at home when Katarina started experiencing a reaction to a chocolate bar she had eaten.

With Matilda’s help, Katarina administered her EpiPen, but her symptoms continued to progress including tightness in her throat, shortness of breath, nausea and tingling in her lips.

Knowing it was a medical emergency, Matilda wasted no time calling Triple Zero (000) and was instructed to administer a second EpiPen.

When Ambulance Victoria (AV) paramedics arrived on scene minutes later, Matilda directed them to her mum and provided as much information about what had happened as she could.

“Til is only 12 years old, yet she showed maturity, courage, and calm that many adults would struggle to maintain in such a terrifying situation,” Katarina said.

“It was a deeply traumatic event for both of us. We were both shaken but I am so grateful Matilda knew what to do.”

The paramedics stabilised Katarina and extricated her from the home using a stair chair device, before transporting her to Sunshine Hospital for further monitoring.

AV Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedic Louise Creasey said Matilda’s efforts made the world of difference to her mum’s outcome.

“From the moment we arrived on scene Matilda was an amazing help,” she said.

“We could tell right away that she really cares for her mum's health and even though it was a very scary situation, she did everything she possibly could to make sure she got the emergency care she needed.

“Anaphylactic reactions can be unpredictable, and the patient’s condition can worsen in a short amount of time, so it’s important to recognise and treat them accordingly.

“Luckily, the EpiPens had been promptly administered to Katarina, with the adrenaline helping to improve her condition. Thanks to Matilda’s efforts, we were able to stabilise her mum and promptly transport her to hospital for further monitoring.”

Being only new to the role, Triple Zero Victoria Call-Taker Nicole Middleton said she was blown away by Matilda’s bravery.

“I answered the Triple Zero call from Matilda on my second day as an Ambulance Call-Taker. I’m proud of how she answered all my questions and followed instructions so we could get help to her mum as quickly as possible,” she said.

“She was a little scared, but she clearly gave me her location, and I stayed on the phone until I heard the paramedic crew arrive. It was a privilege to help Matilda and her mum in their time of need.”

Katarina said she hopes the experience encourages other parents to teach their children what to do in an emergency.

“It's important your family, including your kids are aware of your allergy emergency plan, as you may find yourself faced with a sudden reaction where you can’t call for help yourself,” she said.

“Having that conversation with your kids, although difficult, is important as it might just save your life.”