Five-Year-Old Hero Saves Her Mother’s Life With Quick Thinking and a 911 Call
(Photo: WLS-TV)
In Skokie, Illinois, a brave five-year-old girl is being celebrated as a hero for her quick thinking that saved her mother’s life. On Wednesday, the Skokie Police Department honored young Zoey Reddick for her calm and decisive action when her mother, Jessica Reddick, suddenly fainted due to a medical emergency.
The incident occurred in May when Zoey noticed her mother becoming unresponsive in their home. Zoey immediately dialed 911, calmly telling the dispatcher, “Um, I was in my room and I was watching TV, and my mom just fainted. Can you come hurry? I already called my poppy and my grandma.” Her composure and quick action ensured that help was on the way swiftly.
Jessica Reddick, who has a history of seizures, was stunned when she later learned from first responders that her kindergarten-aged daughter had been the one to call for help. “I was in total shock, like, ‘Who called 911?'” Jessica recalled. “And they’re like, ‘Your daughter.’ And I couldn’t believe it.” Grateful for her daughter’s bravery, Jessica now calls Zoey her “super Zoey” and her hero.
Zoey shared how she managed to stay calm during the stressful situation. “I took 10 deep breaths… 10 deep breaths, so I calmed down,” she explained. Despite feeling panicked, Zoey remained composed throughout the five minutes she spent on the phone, providing essential details to the dispatcher.
Zoey even shared her mother’s name, birthday, and age, although she didn’t know her last name. The dispatchers were able to use the information to cross-reference and determine their address. Zoey’s grandfather arrived just before paramedics, offering additional support.
Nearly five months after the incident, Zoey was honored by the Skokie Police Department for her bravery. Her mother, now fully recovered, expressed deep gratitude. “She is literally a blessing,” Jessica said. “Words can’t describe how proud her dad and I are of her. She’s my hero. She’s my life—my little hero in a kid form. And I’m forever grateful for her.”
Zoey’s quick thinking and calm under pressure serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of teaching children what to do in emergencies. Her actions that day undoubtedly saved her mother’s life, and the community is proud of their young hero.
