Second-Grader Saves Mother's Life By Calling 911

Seven-year-old Thomas Hale saved his mother’s life when he called 911 and gave Mehlville firefighters the information they needed to deliver proper care.

For his actions, the student received a medal and plaque from the Mehlville Fire Protection District at Wednesday’s board meeting.

Thomas was at home on a day off school March 16 when his mother started having a seizure.

“He called 911 and I was not aware of what was going on, so I didn’t hear any of the beginning of the phone call, I woke up during the call and could kind of hear his responses,” his mom Lisa said.

Amy Reitz with South County Fire Alarm answered the call. Reitz, a 25-year call veteran, said Thomas provided information most adults wouldn’t know, including medical history and emergency numbers. 

“In my time at this fire district, I’ve never heard a call such as this,” said Mehlville Fire Chief Brian Hendricks. “I say that because of Amy’s professionalism, the way she handled the call, the fact that South County Fire Alarm, as Amy was taking the information, the call was being dispatched and the call was dispatched in no less than 20 seconds.”

The chief said firefighters frequently go into the schools to teach students how to handle an emergency call.

“There was not one piece of information that Thomas did not know, he handled himself like he was a 22-year-old kid home from college,” Hendricks said. “His actions allowed us to deliver prompt care to his mother.”

Check out a Fox 2 News video about Thomas and his actions.