In any group of grown-ups, especially EMS educators, conversation can quickly devolve into a gripe session about the shortcomings of the younger generations. You know the usual complaints; they are self-absorbed, always expecting a ribbon or a medal, and better at social networking with ‘friends’ than speaking with an adult face-to-face.
Well ‘kids these days’ often make a difference in their communities. Three school-aged girls received recognition for life-saving and selfless acts to help family and total strangers.
Kan. girl honored for helping medics
After witnessing a car accident, a 10-year-old used her knowledge of sign language skills to help the paramedics communicate with a woman that was injured.
4-year-old calls 911 when pregnant mom has seizure
A Michigan girl was carefully taught by her mother when and how to call 911 in case her mom had a medical emergency. When her mom, 9-months pregnant, had a seizure the little girl calmly dialed 911 and provided medical history and other important information to the dispatcher.
Girl spends birthday money on pet resuscitation kits
For a week a 9-year-old Minn. girl debated how to best spend her birthday money: ‘candy or pets’ before deciding on pet rescue kits. She then raised additional funds for the fire department and ambulance service to purchase two kits.