EMILY DYSON has been awarded a Chief Officer’s Commendation from the ACT Ambulance Service for quick-thinking that saved her mother’s life.

On April 20, Emily, 12, called for an ambulance after she found her mum, Melissa Dyson, having difficulty breathing. By the time paramedics arrived at their Palmerston home, Mrs Dyson was in cardiac arrest.

Paramedics began CPR, intravenous drug therapy, ecg monitoring and advanced airway management to restart Mrs Dyson’s heart. She was resuscitated at home before being taken to hospital in a critical condition.

“In an emergency every second is vital and the quick actions of Emily demonstrates the importance to get help early on, as in this case it saved her mother who suffered a full cardiac arrest,” said Simon Corbell, Minister for Police and Emergency Services, who presented Emily her award this morning.

“Emily’s quick thinking during an extremely intense situation has without doubt saved her mother’s life.”

Mr Corbell said he encourages all households to educate family members of the importance of knowing how to call Emergency Triple Zero (000) to get help during emergencies and provide relevant important details such as the address of the emergency.

PHOTO: Minister for Police and Emergency Services Simon Corbell, Melissa Dyson, Emily Dyson, ACT Ambulance Service intensive care paramedic Scott Spence and ACT Ambulance Service communications call taker Matt Davis.