A Washington schoolgirl who trusted her gut to help her dad has been recognised by North East Ambulance Service.
Lucie Raine, aged 11, knew something wasn’t right about her dad David as she was getting ready for school on 30 January.
She contacted mam Gemma, who left work to come and check on her husband, where he began having a seizure, prompting her to call 999.
Nathan Patterson, the paramedic who attended to David that day alongside his colleague Liam Smith, was so impressed with the way Lucie handled the incident that he paid a visit to Barmston Village Primary School to present her with a certificate on behalf of North East Ambulance Service (NEAS).
Nathan, who qualified as a paramedic in 2024 but has been with the ambulance service for just over eight years, said: “When we got there, David wasn’t necessarily unwell, just confused. Some kids would probably have just gone to school and not given it another thought, but Lucie recognised her dad wasn’t well and got him the help he needed.
“If she hadn’t done that, her dad would have been home alone when he had his seizure, which could potentially have been life-threatening. He’s now getting the medical care he needs and Lucie played a key role in him getting that diagnosis.”
David spent five days in hospital having suffered further seizures when he got there, and has now been diagnosed with epilepsy, which is being treated with medication.
The 47-year-old said: “I had been having some periods of passing out, which I was undergoing tests for, but until that point had never had a seizure. Normally I feel flushed and put myself on the floor because I can feel I’m going to pass out, but that day I can’t remember a thing about it.”
Gemma added: “I was at work when Lucie messaged me on her way to school to say she thought her dad had passed out as he was acting strangely. She was upset so I told her to head back home and I’d meet her there. When we got back, David was standing up and was confused so I knew at that point she was right, he had blacked out. Within five minutes of me being home, he had a seizure.
“I phoned for an ambulance and while I was on the phone he came round and didn’t know what was happening, so Lucie took over the phone so I could look after David. She then opened the door for the ambulance crew and explained what had happened, then looked after the dog.
“Lucie’s been around when he’s blacked out before but has never actually seen it happen firsthand so it was all a bit of a shock to her,” Gemma continued. “We’re all getting used to it still but we’ve explained it all to her and reassured her he’s ok, and have obviously told her about ringing 999 if it ever happens again when she’s on her own with him in future.”
“I was really impressed with the way she handled the whole situation,” added Nathan. “She was very brave despite being upset due to her dad being unwell and was able to provide me with excellent information when we arrived, which allowed me to make sure David received the correct care.
“She should be very proud of herself.”
Lucie said: “It was very scary when it happened seeing my dad so poorly and him not been himself. I was very scared because I didn’t really know what was happening, I just knew he needed help.
“I feel fine about it all now, I now know all about my dad's condition and what to do if it happens again. I was very surprised when I read the letter. I wasn't expecting it at all.”
David added: “I couldn’t be prouder of Lucie, she’s handled it all amazingly and if it wasn't for her we would never know what would have happened.
“I am so lucky to have amazing support from all my family don't know what I would do without them.”
Paramedic David Galloway regularly goes into schools to speak to children about calling 999.
He said: “In an emergency, every second counts. Children who know when and how to call 999 can help us get to someone faster and potentially save their lives. It’s one of the most important conversations parents can have.
“We hope children will never need to call us but it’s so important that they know what to do if they find themselves in need to help.
“Even very young children can make a huge difference in an emergency. They don’t need to understand the medical problem - they just need to know how to call 999 and tell us what they can see, we guide them through the rest.
“We see time and again how incredible children are in an emergency. When they have the confidence to know what to do, they’re able to stay calm, tell us what’s happening and help us reach their family quickly. Teaching them the basics really can save a life."
