Child able to give calltaker street address after mother falls unconscious
Four-year-old Alex had only lived at his address for three weeks, but when his mother fell down the stairs and became unconscious Jan. 5, this little Fort Wayne resident knew to call 911 and was able to tell the City's calltaker his new address.
Mayor Tom Henry, 911 Communications, the Fort Wayne Police and Fire departments and Three Rivers Ambulance Authority recognized Alex Friday with the first Kid Hero award, including a Kid Hero backpack. The award is designed to recognize children who call 911 and are able to effectively communicate the needed information to dispatchers and follow the dispatchers' instructions.
Friday was the first time City dispatcher Manda Overly met her preschool-age caller.
Alex's mother, Jamie Coder, who turned out to be fine after the fall, was also in attendance. Because Coder did not have a land line, she promptly taught Alex his new address in case of an emergency.
“Alex is a great example of how 911 is the public's link to our public safety agencies, regardless of how old or how young the caller is,” Mayor Henry said. “This call demonstrates the importance of children knowing their address. I encourage parents to follow Jamie Coder's lead and teach their children ' even if they aren't in school yet ' their home address and phone number. Coder should be commended for her efforts to prepare her child for an emergency.”
On the tape, Overly asks Alex for his address. At first she can't make out what the child says, but Overly continues to ask for the street address until she is able to understand and confirm the location. Turns out Coder had taught Alex his address as a song to help him remember the address. Between trying to sing the song and the emotions of the situation, he was initially difficult to understand over the phone.
911 Communications Director Tina Taviano said parents should teach their children as young as possible to know when to call 911, know their street address and know their phone number. People should not rely on a phone's GPS capabilities or caller ID to be able to tell 911 their location. The more information provided by the person at the scene, the more effectively public safety agencies can respond.
“There is no technology in the world that's better than a caller who can accurately give us information about their location and report on the situation,” Taviano said. “I'm proud of this kid and his mother and proud of Manda for handling the call in a professional manner.”
For information about when to use 911, visit http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/index.php/content/view/1626/1647/.
For tips parents can use to help teach their children about 911, visit http://www.911forkids.com/.