Bravery Awards 2018 - Ruby-Maree Ugle

In August this year, 6-year old Ruby-Maree, contacted her Dad, Kirk, on his mobile to tell him that mummy had collapsed on the floor. Ruby and her mum both suffer from Long QT Syndrome and knowing that Ruby checked that mum Tahni was breathing, whilst waiting for help to arrive.

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a condition which affects repolarisation of the heart after a heartbeat. This results in an increased risk of an irregular heartbeat which can result in palpitations, fainting, drowning, or sudden death. These episodes can be triggered by exercise or stress. Other associated symptoms may include hearing loss.

Following the phone call, Ruby placed a blanket on her mum and kept her younger siblings, who are 5 years old and 18 months old, away. Ruby was also aware that she needed to try to remain calm herself, as the condition meant that her own heart could start to race and the same thing could happen to her.

As the life-threatening situation escalated, Kirk contacted a friend, who came over to check Tahni, picked her up off the floor and put her on the couch. Tahni was unresponsive for approximately 10 minutes. Kirk then arrived home and took her to hospital.

Tahni was treated at Midland hospital, where she was placed on an IV drip and assessed by a cardiologist.

Ruby was extremely brave and calm during the whole incident, especially knowing that she also could have collapsed under the stress. This was the first time that Ruby had made an emergency call to her Dad, and she handled the situation amazingly well.

Everyone at The Royal Life Saving Society WA is very proud of young Ruby’s quick-thinking and ability to stay calm in such a stressful, life-threatening situation and we congratulate her on her receiving the much-deserved Gold Star Bravery Award.

If you wish to nominate someone for next year’s Bravery Awards, please click the link below.