Emma schols walked through the fire for her children:
Emma Schols, a mother of six, retreated into the blaze while wearing only her underwear to rescue her children from the engulfing flames. Despite having severe burns on 93 percent of her body, she managed to live. She received the Lifeguard of the Year 2020 award at the Swedish Heroes Gala.
“I threw the boys out the front door and locked them so they wouldn’t come in again.”
The worst thing that could have possibly happened took place in September 2019. Emma Schols, a 31-year-old mother of six, slept alone in the house with the kids. Two of her younger sons were downstairs in the villa when she heard a fire.
“I ran after them because they had just woken up and gone downstairs. I wouldn’t have known how bad it would be if that had happened. The boys who had taken refuge in the playroom were my only concern, Schols said in an interview with Angelica Hagen for Aftonbladet.
She started to open the front door when the fire received oxygen. There was an explosion!
“I threw myself over the boys like a shield to protect them from harm. It felt like my entire back was on fire when the flames hit me. But I persisted. To prevent them from entering again, I threw the boys out the front door and locked them. They were frightened.
The kids upstairs were yelled at by Emma to come out onto the balcony.
“Then the entire staircase caught on fire. I kept thinking, “This is not possible,” but as I took each step, I realized that it had to be over because four of my children were still on top. The feet’s soles began to separate from the feet due to the extreme heat. They merely hang there like threads.
Every step Emma took up the stairs burned.
Daughter Nellie, age 9, leaped from the second floor to run to a neighbor and ask for assistance. William, the oldest son, who was 11 years old, attempted to lower a ladder so that the people still inside could exit.
“When I stepped out onto the balcony, the boys got a shock. I had open burns all over my body, and I was bleeding. My hair on my head looked like a piece of charcoal, and the skin on my chest had started to peel away.
I SAID TO MYSELF, “I MIGHT DIE NOW.”
Emma noticed that Mollie, her 1-year-old youngest daughter, was not playing outside on the balcony.
“I figured she’s probably dead by now if she’s still in there, but I have to try to get her out,”.
Emma was attempting to re-enter the burning inferno when the sons on the balcony tried to stop her. However, she was determined and was able to drag herself across the floor and into the bedroom.
It was so difficult to breathe because of the dense smoke. Even though I was incredibly exhausted, I could see through the smoke how terrified and crying Mollie was as she stood there in her crib. Then, all of a sudden, I felt such a tremendous force that I was able to stand up and lift her.
Emma claims, “I only had my own body, no cover, no protection, just myself and my mother’s heart.
Her son William had the steps set up on the balcony.
“I felt as though my feet were stuck to each step as Mollie and I descended the stairs. Just bleeding, that’s all.
Emma lost her balance on the last step.
“The pain seemed to suddenly overwhelm me at that point. It was so painful. In my mind, I could now pass away after removing all the kids.
“ARE THE CHILDREN ALIVE?”
However, Emma made a promise to her oldest son William, who was the last child to leave her side, to return home soon before the ambulance arrived and she was put to sleep. A vow that was repeatedly recited while the patient was in the hospital.
The six kids made it through the incident unharmed. For three weeks, Emma had a respirator and was on the verge of passing away. People rarely recover from burns even to the extent of 90%. Emma’s body was 93 percent burned.
“The first thing I thought when I woke up was: ‘Are the children alive?’”
Emma struggled to have faith in the hospital staff. The fear of the kids and the memory of Mollie in the crib were deeply ingrained. The kids weren’t able to visit the hospital until after a month and a half.
It was wonderful but also challenging. Mollie the youngest failed to recognize me. The most difficult part was probably that. She was reluctant to visit me. which makes sense given all the equipment and hoses. I then appeared entirely different.
“TODAY I TAKE NOTHING FOR GRANTED AND AM GRATEFUL FOR EVERY DAY WE HAVE TOGETHER.”
Emma, who has always been active and motivated, had more than just a simple desire to return home to her family. She desired to be present when the kids were dropped off at preschool and picked up from school. She desired to create adventures and play with the kids.
“The staff wanted to take a picture of me when I was transferred from the burn unit in Uppsala to the hospital in Hudiksvall to remember how good it can be. If someone returns with such severe burns. Nobody anticipated that my recovery would be this quick.
Emma has moved back in with the family and is living with them in the apartment while they wait for the house to be rebuilt. She is back on horseback, enjoys fun outings, and gets into mischief with the kids in addition to the daily rehab training she must complete.
They now recognize me once more. My body is covered in burns from the fire, and our experience has had an impact on the entire family. However, our experiences have also strengthened our relationship. Today, I am thankful for every day we have together and I take nothing for granted.
Her son William spoke about the period following the fire during the feature at the Swedish Heroes Gala.
“There were times when you worried that you wouldn’t see your mother again. But now that we see her almost daily, you will be content.
