WILTSHIRE TIMES EXCLUSIVE: A PRIMARY school girl addicted to hospital TV dramas became a genuine lifesaver when her dad collapsed with a brain haemorrhage at their Trowbridge home.
Ten-year-old Jaye Williamson, who is a Casualty and Holby City fan, has been hailed a heroine after her speedy actions helped save the life of her 37-year-old dad Paul.
Jaye leapt into action after waking-up in the middle of the night and finding her dad collapsed on the lounge floor. When her attempts to wake him failed, Jaye picked up his mobile phone and dialled 999.
As ambulance crews sped to their Wesley Road home, brave Jaye followed the 999 operator's instructions trying to put her dad into the recovery position and running to a neighbour's house for help.
Proud mother Claire Milsom, 40, who was working a night-shift when the drama unfolded last Tuesday, said she was bursting with pride at her daughter's bravery.
"You see rescues like this on TV but you never believe it will be your own child. If Jaye hadn't woken up and did what she did it would have been seven hours before I got home and there might have been no chance for Paul," she said.
Mr Williamson was rushed to the Royal United Hospital, in Bath, and on to Frenchay Hospital, in Bristol, where surgeons performed a life-saving operation.
The father-of-two, who works as a carpet estimator in Limpley Stoke, is now out of intensive care and making astounding progress delighting his family who feared the worst.
Jaye, a pupil at Newtown Primary School, said she had stayed clam for her dad and six-year-old brother Louie, who was sleeping upstairs.
"I couldn't really sleep that night. I woke up and heard this gurgling sound," she said.
"I saw dad on the floor. I was shouting his name but he didn't reply. I picked up the nearest phone and dialled 999.
"They asked me if I could lie him down but I couldn't because he was too heavy. I was scared but I tried to stay calm. When I told my best friend she said she was proud of me. At first I didn't realise I had saved my dad's life.
"I love Casualty and Holby City. I definitely want to be a nurse in the future. I would do it for anyone." Ambulance crews and police officers have praised Jaye's bravery.
Miss Milsom said: "We saw the paramedics in Bath and they came over and gave Jaye a hug and a kiss. They said she was a little angel.
"She watches Holby City and Casualty religiously.
"I cannot remember sitting her down and actually telling her what she should do. These shows have taught her."
Jaye's uncle, Brian, 40, said his brother was "close to death" .
"Luckily for Paul it was a bleed to the outside of his brain rather than the inside," he said.
"He is making amazing progress and is now walking and talking. His short-term memory is a bit patchy but he recognises all the children.
"They are hoping he will make a full recovery, which is absolutely amazing as he was as close to death as anyone can be.
"We are very, very proud of Jaye."
Miss Milsom said her partner of 15 years had been suffering headaches for more than a year, but doctors had prescribed painkillers.
He had recently turned to alternative medicines, dishing-out £200 for acupuncture and head massages.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article