Award for brave 8-year-old boy who dialled 999 after finding mum unconscious

Ayaan Juman was asleep in the early hours of 30 November last year when he awoke to discover his mother unconscious on the floor of their home in Soho, Birmingham. 

The youngster was home alone with his mum at the time, but remained calm and composed. Realising something was seriously wrong when he was unable to rouse her, Ayaan immediately dialled 999 and asked for the police.

Speaking clearly and calmly, Ayaan explained the situation to call handler Rebecca Kelly, who quickly recognised that it was a medical emergency and alerted the ambulance service. 

Although there was no indication of immediate danger to Ayaan, Rebecca remained on the line with him to ensure he felt safe and supported until officers arrived at the scene and paramedics were on their way.

Police carried out a welfare check on Ayaan before handing over to the ambulance crew who took him and his mum, Mahabuba, to hospital. 

Mahabuba received the urgent treatment she needed and has since recovered. 

However, West Midlands Police were so impressed with how well Ayaan handled the situation that he received an award for his bravery at a ceremony hosted by Chief Constable Craig Guildford in February this year.

Keri Drew, the contact handling supervisor who nominated Ayaan for his award, said: “We were thrilled to host Ayaan and Mahabuba at our contact centre and we’re pleased that they enjoyed their visit.

“Ayaan was fully deserving of his award, especially as he’s so young. He found himself in a situation that would scare and worry a lot of us as adults but he stayed calm and knew exactly what to do. 

"Thanks to his actions, Mahabuba got the care she needed and we’re all pleased to hear that she’s feeling a lot better now.

“I’ve got to commend my colleague Rebecca as well for how she handled the call. She made sure that Ayaan was OK and reassured him throughout that help was quickly on its way.”

Ayaan and his mum were also invited to a behind-the-scenes look at the force contact centre in Aston, Birmingham, that took his 999 call.

There they met call handler Rebecca who presented Ayaan with a box of Heroes chocolates, and the young car enthusiast also got a closer look at some police vehicles and meet firearms officers.