Department of Public Safety Communications

Published 26th September 2005, 12:51pm

As many adults are aware, the emergency services provided by 911 operators can be life saving measures. When it comes to children however, few are properly trained in using 911 correctly. At times they are unaware of the importance of 911 and they play pranks, calling the service as a joke. But it is clear that at least two young local ‘heroes’ understand that 911 can help save the life of a loved one. Jemonie Lawson is a nine-year-old student of Prospect Primary School who called 911 for an ambulance when he thought his grandmother, Mary McField, was having a heart attack. He said that his grandmother was spraying a lizard with insect spray when she started vomiting. Telecommunicator Naddine Messam offered praise for the youngster, saying: “I instructed him to ask his grandmother a series of questions to determine if she was having pain. Jemonie was very calm but I could hear the concern in his voice. Despite that, he was able to give me all the necessary information and was able to follow all the instructions given to him. Although he did not know his house number, he was able to give clear directions on how to get to the house and he advised the 911 operator what was happening with his grandmother.” In another incident, five-and-a-half year old Thomas Scott called 911 to say that his mother was not feeling well. During the call, he said she had cut her finger and he had given her a piece of tissue. While speaking to the mother, the 911 operator confirmed that she needed an ambulance, that she had been bleeding for about half an hour and that she felt dizzy. “Even though he is so young, Thomas followed all the instructions 911 gave him and was able to help his mother until the ambulance arrived,” said Telecommunicator Sherryann Brooks who took his call. “Overall he was very competent for his age and I was impressed with his ‘take charge’ attitude.” Commenting on the swift actions of these two young boys, 911 Manager Juliette Gooding said: “In our eyes, both Jemonie and Thomas are heroes and we are proud to recognize them as such. Thankfully neither person was in grave danger but these children demonstrate the benefit of knowing when and why to use 911.” The 911 Department feels it is important to encourage children who call and use the system appropriately, so that they can serve as role models for their peers. “It is always heartening to us when children know what 911 is to be used for and are able to give explicit information and follow instructions to help friends and family,” said Ms. Gooding.