A four-year-old boy from Carlton has been recognised with an EMAS Children’s Bravery Award at his school after calmly calling 999 when his mum became unwell at home.
RJ Webster was getting ready for school on Monday 12 January 2026 when his mum, Bonnie, suddenly collapsed upstairs and began shivering. Realising something was seriously wrong, RJ picked up the phone and dialled 999 – providing information that helped emergency crews reach them quickly.
Emergency Medical Advisor Alicia Key, who had qualified only weeks earlier, answered the call.
Alicia said: “RJ was remarkable. At first it was difficult to tell how old he was, but as soon as he started speaking it was clear how calm and observant he is.
“He gave me his full name, his mum’s name, their road, the colour of their front door, even the colour of his mum’s car.
“He listened carefully and answered every question he could.
“His quick thinking helped us identify the house, and the crew were able to get to his mum without delay.”
Paramedic Keith Young and Technician Lee Chamberlain arrived moments later to treat Bonnie, who had experienced seizure activity linked to a severe migraine.
Keith said: “RJ was a little star that day. His calmness and willingness to help made a real difference in getting care to his mum as quickly as possible.”
Bonnie said she remembers very little from the incident.
She added: “I’d had a migraine for a couple of days and I remember feeling dizzy. The next thing I knew, the ambulance crew were crouched over me.
“I didn’t know if I’d managed to call 999 or not. Hearing about what RJ did is amazing.
“We’ve always taught him his address and bits of important information, never imagining he’d need it – but it absolutely paid off.”
Since the incident, RJ has taken everything in his stride.
Bonnie said: “RJ talks like he’s in his fifties sometimes.
“He’s confident, caring, and now very aware of how I’m feeling. If he sees I’m unwell he runs to get my migraine cap and asks what he can do.
“The whole family is so proud of him. His school even gave him a certificate and let him tell his classmates what happened – they all listened in complete silence.”
RJ received his EMAS Children’s Bravery Award during a special reunion event with the call handler and ambulance crew involved in his mum’s emergency.
Bonnie reflected on how the recognition from EMAS means a great deal to the family:
“It’s reassuring to know that if something ever happened again, he would know what to do.
“You never think you’ll need to teach your child how to handle something like this, but RJ showed incredible courage.
“We couldn’t be prouder.”