A TODDLER who dialled 999 after his mother passed out has been rewarded with a look around a police car.

Oliver Embleton, who was aged two at the time and still learning to talk, phoned for help after mother Nicola fainted due to low blood pressure at their home in Thornley, east Durham, in May.

The tot told call handler Michael Walton that “mummy fell down”, prompting Mr Walton to scramble an emergency response.

He kept Oliver, now three, on the line for around 20 minutes until Mrs Embleton, 34, came round.

Today (Wednesday, November 5), mother and daughter visited Durham Police headquarters where Oliver was shown around a police vehicle and given a miniature police hat, toy police cars and some chocolate.

Mrs Embleton said: “I have low blood pressure. I normally just sit down somewhere.

“I was going to get a drink of water and I didn’t quite make it. The next thing I knew I’d come round and Oliver was chatting on the phone.

“I taught him and his sister (to call 999) but Oliver was only two so I didn’t think he’d be able to manage.

“It’s amazing. I can’t imagine what was going through his little head. He’s usually a quiet little boy. He’s my hero.

“All credit to Michael and the staff. They did an amazing job.”

Mr Walton’s efforts earned him a “Wow” customer service award.

He said: “I could hear a child gurgling. It was hard to establish whether it was a genuine call.

“I asked Oliver if I could speak to his mum or dad but I got no response.

“Then I asked him where his mummy was and he replied ‘mummy fell down’. I just kept him talking.”

On his award, Mr Walton said: “It’s nice recognition. I’m very grateful.”

Deputy chief constable Michael Banks praised Mr Walton for doing a “fantastic job”.

“We get 250,000 calls a year and many are crank calls or white noise. Michael acted professionally in establishing this was a genuine call,” he said.

Read the story online at www.thenorthernecho.co.uk to listen to Oliver’s 999 call.