Katrina Hatfield, 8, last week received a certificate of commendation for helping to save her dad’s life by calling 000 when he collapsed and hit his head. 43864
By Bridget Brady
BLOOD was everywhere as she called 000 when her dad collapsed and hit his head, but eight-year-old Katrina said she was only “a little” scared.
The Cranbourne youngster was at home with her dad, Paul Hatfield, and two younger siblings in December when Mr Hatfield had an epileptic fit and suffered a bad cut to his head as he fell.
Katrina kept her cool when it mattered the most, and called an ambulance for her dad as blood was “nearly everywhere”.
To congratulate Katrina for her brave actions, Ambulance Victoria presented the Coral Park Primary School student with a certificate of commendation at Springvale South last week.
Mr Hatfield, 38, and his wife kept the presentation to Katrina a surprise until they arrived at the ambulance branch last Thursday.
Apart from needing to put on her good clothes, “mum told me nothing”, Katrina said.
Mr Hatfield said he did not remember anything about the incident, but said he was proud of his daughter and that paramedics nominated her for the certificate.
“I was very honoured. Because you don’t think of these things to happen for your children,” he said.
Paramedic Jasmine Lindsay worked on the day and said Katrina did a wonderful job.
“We pulled into the street and she flagged us down.”
Ms Lindsay said she was impressed with Katrina’s actions. “I guess you don’t know until you’ve been tested, but she certainly succeeded on the day.”
