Five-year-old Amaya is my little miracle life-saver

And now the youngster has been honoured with a bravery award for her quick thinking and dubbed a 'little star' by paramedics.

Amaya had only just woken up on the morning of February 15 when her 28-year-old mother Shekera Lodge suddenly collapsed. She immediately took action and made her mother a sugary drink.

It was something she had been taught to do from a young age.

However, when this didn't help she grabbed a phone and dialled 999 and calmly told the operator that her mother was not moving or speaking and directed them to their West Bromwich home.

When West Bromwich-based paramedic Victoria Poole and emergency medical technician Karl Wilkins arrived, they were amazed to be greeted by the little girl who quickly explained that her mother was diabetic.

Victoria said: "Before we got there, Amaya had put the family dog in the kitchen out of the way which is a very sensible thing to do.

"Amaya was calm and collected and even helped to make a piece of toast to give to Shekera when she came round from her diabetic episode.

"Amaya was really brave, kept calm, answered all of our questions and helped us to treat her mum.

"She had never phoned 999 before so she was amazing in her mum's hour of need. She was a little star."

To recognise her bravery and thank her for helping them save her mother's life Victoria and Karl presented Amaya with a bravery award at Glebefields Primary School in Tipton.

The youngster was cheered and applauded by her other class mates during the ceremony when she was handed the certificate by the two paramedics.

As with most diabetics increasing their intake of glucose helps them recover from a dangerous drop in their blood sugars, known as a hypoglycaemia, which can in some cases lead to unconsciousness. Other symptoms of a hypoglycaemic attack include sweating, hunger, tiredness, blurred vision, lack of concentration, a change in mood or going pale.

At the assembly, headteacher Mrs Penny Thompson, said: "What we've learnt from Amaya is that it doesn't matter how young you are it's just about having a really good thinking head on.

"When something happens, just think of all the right things to do, not to panic and just get on with it.

"She's a clever little girl. Her mum and dad should be very proud of her."

Shekera said: "It's nice to know that someone so little can call 999 and can save somebody's life because that's what she did for me.

"We've gone through the basics of what type of diabetes I have, what insulin I take and things to do if my blood sugar does go high or low but it's been a while since I taught her so the fact that she still remembered and was able to remain calm was really impressive. I'm extremely proud."