A JOHNSTONE schoolboy with additional needs has received a special award after he called for an ambulance while his mum was suffering an epileptic fit.

Nine-year-old Shaun Ramsay, who has trisomy 8 mosaicism, received the commendation from the Scottish Ambulance Service last week for acting heroically under terrifying circumstances.

In December, the St David’s Primary pupil had been getting ready for school at his home in Queen’s Road, Elderslie, when mum Anne suddenly collapsed in their living room.

“It was just myself and Shaun in the house at the time, as my husband had already left for work,” Anne told The Gazette.

“First Shaun tried to wake me up but, when he couldn’t get me to respond, he went straight to the phone and dialled 999.

“When I started to come round, I could hear him talking to someone on the phone and then the next thing I remember was Shaun at the front door, letting the paramedics into the house.”

Anne was rushed by ambulance to the Royal Alexandra Hospital, in Paisley, but was soon reunited with her son after being discharged later that day.

Trisomy 8 mosaicism is a rare condition that affects human chromosomes.

Symptoms vary considerably but can include speech or learning delays.

Anne, 36, said: “Shaun has had development delay and finds it difficult to communicate with people he doesn’t know, so for him to call and speak with a stranger on the phone, while he was really upset, is a massive achievement for him.

“He recently earned a Beavers badge about being safe at home, which involves knowing your address in an emergency.”

As well as receiving his special award, Shaun has been invited to enjoy a day out at the ambulance depot in Johnstone later this year.

Anne added: “He was over the moon to receive the award and was showing the certificate to all his classmates over Microsoft Teams.

“Shaun is also very excited about visiting the depot. He has always said he wants to be an astronaut and work in the chippy when he’s older and now he has added being a paramedic to that list.”

Brian Forbes, west special operations manager at the Scottish Ambulance Service, also commended Shaun for his actions.

“Shaun’s swift response meant an ambulance and our special response team were dispatched immediately to help his mum,” said Brian. “He remained so calm during what would have been a really scary time and truly deserves this award.”