Fifteen children in Prince William County were honored recently for calling 911 during emergencies, potentially saving the lives of their family members. The kids were between the ages of 8 and 13 and were recognized by Prince William County public safety officials during a ceremony earlier this month. Some of their actions, according to Prince William County police:
» Nine-year-old Tylon Evans called 911 twice in August 2010 when an adult family member became unconscious. He followed the dispatcher’s instructions and took care of a younger sibling until another relative and medical personnel arrived.
» Joshua Jones, 11, called 911 when a family member began suffering back spasms in November 2010 and the boy remained calm, even though the adult was “screaming in pain in the background,” according to the dispatcher who took the call.
» Kaylle Sanchez, 11, translated the 911 dispatcher’s instructions for her family when an older sibling fell unconscious in March so the family could help until an emergency crew arrived.
» In September, 10-year-old Isabella Reprieto called 911 when her mother went into premature labor. She followed the call taker’s instructions, unlocked the door for emergency responders and remained calm. Dispatchers said Isabella rode with the woman to the hospital — where the girl’s little sister was born in the medic unit, right outside the hospital.
» Eleven-year-old Mark Colon-Gonzalez found an adult family member unconscious when he came home from school one day in October 2010. He called 911 and his quick reaction helped the family member survive, police said.
