Rodrigo had a decisive attitude so that help arrived in time to save his mother
Rodrigo was in the car with his mother and his two younger twin brothers, aged 6, when his mother suddenly lost consciousness. Without hesitation, he remained calm, dialed 112 and followed the instructions of emergency medical professionals.
The case took place in Malpica do Tejo, Castelo Branco, and was shared by INEM on this European 112 Day.
Rodrigo, 9 years oldwas with his 6-year-old twin brothers, when his mother, with heart problems, became unwell at the wheel and passed out. The ‘oldest’ remained calm, activated all four flashing lights and called 112.
Another herono less important in this story, was John from CODUwith whom the boy spoke on the phone, helping him to remain calm and provide assistance to his 35-year-old mother promptly and effectively.
Begging for help, “please”, Rodrigo said, on the call, that his mother had heart problems, wore a pacemaker and he didn’t open his eyes. About that, I tried not to wake my brothers who slept in the back seats, so as not to scare them. However, one of the ‘younger’ woke up and the boy called out: “Calm down, Dani, the brother will solve this.”
Rodrigo described the area where he was – “we are next to the bus stop, close to Café Taco” – and the model of the car – “it’s a Ford Focus”.
“I hear tinoni, tinoni. A yellow car has already arrived”, said Rodrigo, before the happy ending. According to INEM, the mother was assisted by VMER (the yellow car) and Volunteer Firefighters of Castelo Branco, and is in good health.
“When life tested the serenity of a boy of just 9 years old, Rodrigo responded with courage and lucidity worthy of a true hero. His calm and exemplary collaboration with the emergency medical services were decisive in ensuring that help arrived in time”, praised the INEMwhich, in the following days, made a surprise at Rodrigo’s school, elevating him to a hero.
“On European 112 Day, Rodrigo is our example of citizenship, courage and responsibility“.
