PARIS, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) — The Paris Fire Department has created a new award that has been given to a 2-year-old who used a phone to call for help while her aunt was having a seizure.
On October 21, just before her second birthday, 1-year-old Amellia Fitzgerald was being babysat by her aunt when the aunt began to have a medical emergency.
The Paris Fire Department said even though Amellia was still under the age of two, she recognized what was going on and sprang into action.
Amellia, not fully knowing what was happening to her aunt, picked up a smartphone and facetimed a family member.
That family member was then able to recognize what was happening and contacted local dispatch.
“What’s incredible is that Amellia had no real understanding of the life-saving actions she had just taken,” said the fire department. “We often speak about the downsides of technology, but in this case, it was the difference between life and death. Had Amellia not known how to use that phone, the outcome could have been very different.”
The fire department, along with a Horizon Health Ambulance, responded to the home after being contacted by dispatch. Crews then provided medical care to the aunt and transported her to a local hospital.
The fire department said Amellia’s actions helped save her aunt’s life.
“In the eyes of first responders, Amellia’s actions that day were nothing short of heroic. While our crews were simply doing their jobs, Amellia went above and beyond—demonstrating instinct, awareness, and courage far beyond her years,” said the Paris Fire Department.
Because of this heroic act, the fire department has created a new award that will be given to Amellia.
The award is named the Young Hero Award, and was given to Amellia on her second birthday.
“We are so proud of her. Thanks to her quick actions, her aunt is alive and standing beside her today,” said Paris Fire Chief Zack Janis. “I got her a Birthday Cake for her Birthday and was super excited.”
Janis said this incident can be a learning opportunity for people with young children.
“Let this serve as a reminder to all parents, grandparents, and guardians: take time to teach your children their address and how to contact help,” said Janis. “You never know when those simple lessons could save a life.”
Janis also wanted to thank a long list of people who were involved in this incident.
“To everyone involved—Paris Fire Department personnel, Horizon Health Ambulance Service, Paris Police Department, the Edgar County Sheriff’s Office, the Paris City Council (including Commissioner Doug Hasler), and most importantly, young Amellia Fitzgerald—thank you for being part of something truly special,” said Janis.
