To mark European 112 Day, this Wednesday, INEM reveals the audio of the emergency call that saved Rodrigo’s mother. The nine-year-old boy, who was traveling in a car with two brothers, didn’t hesitate to call 112 when he saw his mother faint.
“Hello. This is me, my name is Rodrigo”. Thus began the emergency call made by a nine-year-old boy who saved his mother’s life. Rodrigo was in the car with his two younger twin brothers when his mother, who was driving the vehicle, suddenly lost consciousness. Six minutes after the call, the and the arrived at the location.
This “inspiring example of citizenship” led by Rodrigo was highlighted by the National Institute of Medical Emergency (), as part of European 112 Day, celebrated, not by chance, on February 11th. The authorities released the audio of the nine-year-old’s call with João Diasthe man who, on the other end of the line, helped calm the child.
“Tomorrow at school you can say that you were a hero. You are a machine”stated João, while asking Rodrigo to calm down, who, despite being nervous, managed to give valuable information to the authorities to reach the place where the car was stopped, in Malpica do Tejo, in the municipality of Castelo Branco.
“This case clearly illustrates the fundamental role of 112 as a gateway into the emergency system and reinforces the importance of emergency literacy from an early age. Recognizing an emergency situation, remaining calm and communicating essential information are decisive factors”, says INEM, in a statement sent to SIC Notícias.
INEM went to Rodrigo’s school
The authorities prepared a surprise for Rodrigo. João Dias and other professionals from INEM and firefighters went to the boy’s school to thank him for his “exemplary civic behavior”. The young man was applauded by all his colleagues and was moved by the moment.
“Rodrigo was a hero. He managed to describe where he was, gave reference points, mentioned his mother’s health problems. We were able to share information with the medical vehicle and firefighters in real time – and this was only possible with Rodrigo’s help”, exclaims João. “We should all be like Rodrigo, an example for everything he did”, says firefighter Hélder Campos.
INEM recalls that 112 is a unique, free number available 24 hours a day throughout the European Union, “and should be used exclusively in emergency situations.
