A quick-thinking Stirling boy who called emergency services after finding his mum unconscious has received an award from Scotland’s top cop.
Hanlon Stevenson, of Whins of Milton, was aged just two in February 2019 when he dialled 999 after mum Lisa suffered a seizure.
The Bannockburn Primary School pupil had received a Young Hero Award at a Police Scotland ceremony in Stirling’s Albert Halls last autumn.
And last week the six-year-old was recognised in Police Scotland Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone’s Bravery and Excellence Awards 2022 at a ceremony at the Tulliallan HQ.
Hanlon had initially been nominated for the Young Hero Award by Stirling constable Martin Reynolds, who said: “I believe that the action from a two-year-old child to have the ability and presence of mind to recognise there was a potential emergency issue with his mother and then to dial 999 and provide a description of the circumstances deserves merit and praise – not only for the ability to do so at a young age but to initiate the resolution of what could have been a potentially life-threatening medical issue.”
Twenty-eight-year-old Lisa’s seizures are caused by the condition Chiari malformation where the lower part of the brain pushes down into the spinal canal.
During Hanlon’s call on a mobile phone to the police control room, he shouted: ‘Mummy is sleeping and I cannot wake her.’
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Officers were then deployed to attend at the Bannockburn address.
When they got there they could see Hanlon and Lisa through the window.
An ambulance was mobilised and Lisa was taken to Forth Valley Royal Hospital for treatment.
Hanlon had received the Young Hero Award from the then Police Scotland Forth Valley divisional commander chief superintendent, Alan Gibson, who said: “As police officers, we often see the negative aspects of human life but presenting an award to Hanlon reminded me of the positives.
“I was impressed by his quick-thinking, as a then two-year-old, to phone the emergency services which ultimately saved his mother’s life.
“Without his swift action, it would likely have been a different outcome. Hanlon should be proud of himself.”
Sir Iain Livingstone said at last Friday’s awards: “It is a privilege to recognise the bravery of our fellow citizens who stepped forward with courage when need arose.
“The opportunity to welcome nominees, recipients and their families to headquarters and offer my personal thanks, regards and congratulations is a pleasure.”
