July 31, 2006

Emma Grace Bryant, age 7, was recognized as a 9-1-1 Hero for her bravery in seeking help for a medical emergency.

Seven year old Emma dialed 9-1-1 on July 31 to get help for her mother. Emma knew her mother was having trouble with "really, really, low blood sugar". Jackie Buechler, RRRDC Communications Operator, answered Emma's 9-1-1 call. Emma told Buechler her mother "won't say anything" and that "her eyes were open". Emma and her two-year-old brother were at home with their mother while their father was at work.

Buechler, certified in Emergency Medical Dispatch, followed the pre-arrival line of questioning with Emma. Dispatchers updated the responding emergency units as Buechler relayed pertinent information from Emma. Emma stated she knew her parent's names and home address, her father's place of work and that her mother had diabetes. She unlocked the doors for the emergency responders and stayed on the line with Buechler, calmly updating her mother's condition and her little brother's whereabouts. Emma stated to Buechler she knew her neighbor was Sgt. Steve Todd with the Clay County Sheriff's Department. Buechler contacted Sgt. Todd who was off duty that day and he became the first on scene to assist Emma's mother. All this transpired within fifteen minutes. Because of Emma's determination to help her mother and calmly answering all of Buechler's questions, she helped save her mother's life.

Emma was honored by the Red River Regional Dispatch Center on Tuesday, August 22 at 10:00 a.m. She was awarded a "9-1-1 Hero Medal", Certificate of Honor and an "I'm a 9-1-1 Hero" T-shirt. The Bryant family had the opportunity to meet both RRRDC Communications Operator Jackie Buechler and Sgt. Steve Todd.

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