Brownsville boy recognized for making lifesaving 911 call
A 6-year-old Brownsville boy knew something was wrong when his great-grandmother suddenly fell. He also knew to call 911 and was able to give dispatchers information with a calm surpassing many adult callers, 911 officials said.
Two weeks later, Anthony Malone was recognized before his first-grade class at Brownsville Area Elementary School, and his great-grandmother is expected to make a full recovery from a stroke.
“You have a hero in your classroom,” school psychologist Jill White told his class.
He was awarded with a certificate from Fayette County Emergency Management Agency, which described the call on Oct. 8 as “exemplary,” and a Dairy Queen gift card.
“Anthony remained calm, and was knowledgeable and provided information helpful to the 911 dispatcher and responding units,” the certificate says. “Anthony’s actions were key in the positive outcome of the emergency situation.”
Dispatcher Tina Carrigan, who took Malone’s call, was impressed by the boy’s demeanor and intelligence. He promptly gave her the address, even though he was not at his own house, and answered all of her questions. The call – which was relayed as an unresponsive person – could easily leave an adult frantic, she said.
While he was on hold as the ambulance was dispatched, the recording captured the youngster telling his great-grandmother that he was getting her help.
Though he was calm on the phone, Malone said he was scared when he saw her fall, but knew he had to call 911.
“I’ve never done that before,” he said.
Carrigan said it is not uncommon to receive emergency calls from young children. When 911 Supervisor Jodie Victor asked the class of 21 students how many of them had ever made a 911 call, four hands shot up.
“I had to call 911 because my mom was dying,” one little boy said.
He told Victor his mom is OK now.
Victor gave the class tips for calling 911 in emergency situations. The most important point is knowing an address, she said, asking the class how many of them know their home address.
“I’m still working on it,” one student answered.
Victor said adults should post an address for children so they know their location in an emergency, because stress can make a young child forget. She reminded adults to pay attention to cross streets when calling 911. While a landline call will often display an address to dispatchers, cellphones use towers, which can give nonspecific locations. She also wanted 911 callers to understand that a dispatcher’s follow-up questions are not holding up the response. Once the basic information and location is received, help is on its way.
Victor said it is also important to remain calm so that the information can be conveyed effectively.
“I know in those situations that it’s sometimes hard to remain calm,” she said.
Malone said he has been able to see his great-grandmother since she was released from the hospital, and said he is looking forward to making a trip to Dairy Queen for ice cream.