Pride of Australia nomination for girl who saved stepmum’s life

YOUNG Mikayla Wickett showed courage beyond her 12 years when she was forced to help save stepmum Diana’s life after she fell unconscious and couldn’t be woken. LISTEN TO THE HARROWING TRIPLE-O CALL

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WHEN Diana Wickett fell unconscious with a hypoglycaemia attack, there was only a little girl standing between her, a coma and possible death.

With tears streaming down her face and a faltering voice, 12-year-old Mik­ayla Wickett was talked through lifesaving first aid by a triple-0 call-taker.

“Dry your tears,” NSW Ambulance control centre operator Marianne Phillips told Mikayla during the ­November 4 ordeal.

“You’re a wonderful person for doing what you’re doing and I wish I had a daughter like you.”

Mikayla Wickett helped save her stepmother Diana’s life after she fell unconscious with a hypoglycaemia attack. Picture: Tim Hunter

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For Mikayla, the ordeal was a coming-of-age moment.

“I am very proud of myself for saving a life and proving I’m not a child anymore,” Mikayla said.

“If mumzie ever needs saving again, I will know what to do, and won’t be so scared.”

The courageous girl has been nominated for the Pride of Australia medal, for saving her stepmother’s life.

Mikayla’s stepmum was watching Saturday morning television at their Mount Annan home when her blood sugar unexpectedly crashed and she fell unconscious.

Mikayla woke to a phone call from her grandmother Lyn Lombardo, 60, close to 9am, who was calling to say she’d be over shortly to collect Mikayla and Mrs Wickett for a day of shopping.

Mikayla said helping save her stepmother’s life was her coming of age moment. Picture: Tim Hunter.

While on the line to her grandmother, Mikayla tried in vain to wake Mrs Wickett to let her know they needed to get ready.

But no matter how loudly she yelled or how hard she shook her, Mrs Wickett did not wake.

Fearing the worst, Ms Lombardo hung up and called triple-0 and was put through to Ms Phillips, who called Mikayla.

Throughout the call, Mikayla was asked to tilt Mrs Wickett’s head back and monitor her breathing.

“If Mikayla wasn’t there, it’s quite likely I would have died,” Mrs Wickett said.

“She got scared, like any girl would have, but she’s the sort of girl who would go out of her way to help and I’m lucky to have had her there.”

Today is the final day to nominate someone for Pride of Australia.

For more information visit prideofaustralia.com.au