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8-year-old honored for saving mom after fall

Posted at 5:26 PM, Jun 07, 2012
and last updated 2012-06-07 20:22:29-04

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) – When you get into a stressful situation, it can be difficult to maintain your sense of cool or stay level-headed, which is why it’s pretty impressive that an 8-year-old Fairfax County girl was able to help her mother after a dangerous fall.

Katie Lee was honored at Stratford Landing Elementary School Wednesday with the Citizen Lifesaver Award for calling 9-1-1 after her mother fell down the stairs. Laurie Lee suffered a gash and was unable to stand or get help.

The second grader heard what happened and immediately dialed emergency dispatchers and calmly explained the situation.

“Uhm, my mom just fell and she can’t walk right now,” the child told dispatcher Carolyn Kellam.” Can you please try to hurry?”

Kellam was impressed with how calm, cool and articulate Katie remained on the phone and she was on hand Wednesday to present the award to the little girl.

The award was given to Katie in front of her peers. Afterwards they watched a video on how to call for emergency help and even listened to Katie’s 911 call. Her mom, Laurie, says listening to the ordeal again, got her choked up.

Katie says she learned how to call 911 at school.

Flickr photo of the award presentation