Sandie Simmons didn’t hesitate Sunday when she received a call about a choking child.
The Acme-Delco-Riegelwood firefighter went straight from her home to that of the toddler, and her quick action likely saved the three-year-old’s life.
The child’s parent called 911 after the little one began choking and “changing colors,” Chief Steve Camlin said.
“Dispatch was giving instructions while we were responding,” Camlin said. EMS and Advanced Life Support (ALS) headed for the home as quickly as possible.
“She lives a short distance from the child’s family,” Camlin said, “and she jumped in her vehicle and was the first to respond.”
Other emergency personnel were on the way, but Simmons immediately took charge of the situation, giving the child back blows, abdominal thrusts and “sweeping” the toddler’s mouth with a finger.
“After a couple of these,” Camlin said, “the object became dislodged and out of the child’s mouth. The child started breathing again and crying.”
ADR Fire-Rescue, law enforcement and paramedic responded, Camlin said. The child was evaluated and treated on the scene, without need for a trip to the hospital.
“We want to lift up Firefighter Sandie Simmons for her unselfishness and her fast response,” Camlin said. “She saved this child’s life.”
