The kindergartener quickly called for help when her mother lay incapacitated, unable to move or speak.

A 5-year-old girl in Virginia promptly dialed 911 when she sensed something was wrong with her mother. 

As reported by WRIC, 39-year-old Lashaunastey Turberville and her daughter, Dehvea Boxley, were at home on Sunday afternoon when she started feeling sick.

“I started feeling a little sick,” said Turberville. “I started sweating and getting really hot. I started to get nauseous and then lightheaded. I laid down and that was about it.”

She added that she didn’t have many memories after that—just that she was unable to move or speak. When Dehvea noticed her mother not feeling very well, she immediately took Turberville's phone and dialed 911. She talked to the Hopewell emergency dispatchers and informed them that her mother was not responding or moving.

Dehvea Boxley, who saved her mother's life by calling for help, photo courtesy WRIC 

“My mom was sick, and I called the ambulance,” said Dehvea. “I’m not scared. I’m brave.”

The kindergartener stayed calm and tried to relieve her mother by offering water and stroking her head.

Turberville had previously taught Dehvea to call 911 in an emergency. Dehvea stays with her great-grandmother sometimes, and her mother thought it was necessary that she know what to do, just in case.

“We practiced,” said Dehvea. “It was easy. I just pressed 911.” 

But it was scary for the little girl, and she struggled to open the door to Hopewell Fire and Rescue. The paramedics took Turberville immediately to a local hospital where the doctor diagnosed her with hypoglycemia, a condition where one’s blood sugar level is dangerously low.

Turberville says it is because of her little daughter she is alive today.

“She really is my little hero .... I’m so proud of her,” she said.

As terrifying as this incident was for both the mother and daughter, Turberville hopes that other parents will take heed and teach their children how to call for help in the case of an emergency.