A youngster who dialled 999 and saved his dad’s life after he fell into a diabetic coma at home has been hailed a hero. Eight-year-old Tyler Turnbull tried to keep his frightened four-year-old sister, Amber, calm while he answered the call handler’s questions and gave vital information so police could send help.
Officers blue-lighted to the Durham address in minutes and found Jamie Miller unconscious on the floor and hardly breathing. Paramedics also attended and confirmed Mr Miller was seriously ill in what appears to have been a diabetic attack that could have proved fatal if not for Tyler’s heroic actions.
PC Jordan McGregor, who was first on the scene, praised Tyler for knowing to call for help.
He said: “Tyler is an amazing little boy who undoubtedly helped save his dad’s life by calling 999 – not many young children would know how call for help in an emergency and he showed courage and bravery helping us to help his daddy. Tyler is very enthusiastic about the police but was apprehensive that he may be in trouble for contacting the police when he did so he deserves extra credit for that too.”
Tyler’s mum, Samantha Turnbull, from Bowburn, said the whole family couldn’t be prouder of Tyler, who is also disabled.
The 33-year-old said: “Jamie is Type 1 diabetic and he had been unwell and slipped into a diabetic coma. He was on his own and not able to make anyone aware that he was sick but Tyler managed to get his phone and phone 999 so he did everything to help him.
“Tyler has Global Developmental Delay so his mind is only of a four-year-old and he also has speech delay so we are even more impressed he managed to raise the alarm. He was a bit scared at first but realised he’d done the best thing helping daddy and everyone is so proud of him.”
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Mr Miller, 37, spent a week in hospital following the attack but has since recovered and is doing well at home.
Miss Turnbull said: “Jamie is a very lucky man. He had taken poorly once before when I was there so at that point we decided to teach Tyler about how to call for help and I’m so thankful we did. It’s not something I expected he’d be able to do so we’re super proud.”
After hearing about Tyler’s extraordinary bravery, Durham Constabulary decided to give him the VIP experience in time for Christmas.
The police-obsessed little boy was picked up from school by the team last Wednesday (December 18) and given a special ride in the police car before being presented with presents donated by the local Tesco.
Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant, Daniel Beardmore, said the team were delighted to visit Tyler and praise him for his brave actions.
He said: “Tyler was brilliant and no doubt saved his daddy’s life, which is even more extraordinary given his age and disabilities so we were honoured to come and say well done in person.
“We all need more Tylers in the world and we hope he and his whole family have a fantastic Christmas.”
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View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/durham-boy-who-saved-dads-30656349
