Local girl recognized for quick response in emergency situation
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WELLSBURG -- The Franklin Community Volunteer Fire Department recently took time to recognize a Wellsburg girl for her quick response in seeking emergency assistance for her mother.
Carla Adams of Wellsburg said she was happy to see her 9-year-old daughter, Isabelle, acknowledged for the relatively calm way she called for help when her mother was suffering from a seizure on March 21.
"She jumped into action," said Carla, noting her daughter phoned her uncle, a Franklin Community firefighter because he and his wife were familiar with her medical issues.
Carla said she began experiencing blackouts in recent months, including one that caused her to fall and strike her mouth, splitting her bottom lip. She said doctors are still determining their cause.
Carla said while another adult is normally with her, she gave Isabelle a list of emergency contacts, including 911, as a precaution, she said.
She said the lack of an episode in two or three weeks had given her a false sense of security when another seizure occurred on March 21.
"I could sense something was happening and I was able to tell her to get help," she said, adding, "She followed exactly what I told her to do."
"She did really well. I couldn't be prouder. She was so calm doing it," Carla said, noting Isabelle recently celebrated her 10th birthday.
Carla said she was told later that after she had been loaded into an ambulance, Isabelle wept, but, "She was brave when she needed to be."
"I was just glad that she was OK. And I was proud of myself," said Isabelle, who is a fourth-grader at Brooke Intermediate South.
The plaque of commendation presented by the fire department hangs in her room.
Carla said she hopes her situation will encourage other parents to prepare children for such an emergency.
Franklin Community Fire Chief Gerald McClain said Carla was smart to show Isabelle how to unlock her cell phone so she could call for help.
McClain said because a growing number of households have chosen cell phones over land lines, teaching children to dial 911 isn't as simple as it once was.
"Parents need to show their children how to unlock their phones or access the emergency mode," he noted.
McClain added depending on the age of the child, parents also can instruct him or her to go to a trusted neighbor who can call 911.
McClain said he and fellow members of the department were happy to honor Isabelle for her efforts.
"It's something special, especially at that age, to call for help when help is needed."
(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)