BC

Chelsea Chang was working as a Dispatcher at the RCMP Operational Communications Center in West Shore, BC on August 15, when a 9-1-1 call came in from a young child. The child reported that her mother had fallen onto the cement in the back yard and was not getting up.

Listen to the 911 call.

Chang was able to learn that the child Rebecca, was five-years-old, and was at home with her mother and two younger brothers, a three-year-old and a one year old. The children's father was at work. The child was crying, was out of breath from the ordeal, and was focused on her mother, laying on the patio outside.

Our dispatcher kept this very upset young girl on the phone, gleaning as much information from her as possible, states Cpl. Antonio Hernandez of the West Shore RCMP.  This call was high risk and emotionally difficult for this young girl, who needed to hear a friendly, calming, and compassionate voice on the phone.  She got just that, and together we were able to help her family.

Emergency services responded and located a 31 year old Langford woman experiencing an epileptic seizure. Rebecca was understandably highly distraught. The 3-year-old boy was excited to see firefighters. The 1-year-old toddler was wearing only a diaper.

The rear door to the residence was open, leading outside to a kiddie pool half-full of water on a hot, sunny morning. Had emergency services not been called, the possibility exists that a water-related tragedy could have also occurred.

The young girl is to be commended for her ability to call 9-1-1 and to provide important information so emergency personnel can attend and provide medical attention to her mother.  The mother is reportedly in good health.

Rebecca said her grandma had taught her to call 9-1-1.  This is a great illustration on how well our 9-1-1 system can work, and how anyone can do it.  Take a few minutes today, and talk to your kids.

West Shore RCMP has contacted the family to attend the detachment so police can present Rebecca with a gift of appreciation for a job well done.