Third-grader sees mom in trouble, calls 911

One morning last month, Matthew Sparr was laying next to his mom in bed, watching cartoons while she took a nap.

In a matter of moments, though, it was the 8-year-old Peachtree City kid who became a superhero, dialing 911 when his mom Cindy suffered a medical emergency.

Matthew said he was “kind of” scared at the time, and a little nervous. But he didn’t let it show on the phone, as he was calm, cool and collected, recalled 911 operator Chris Nations, who took Matthew’s emergency call.

“There are some adults who can’t do that good,” Nations said.

With Nations’ help, Matthew checked to make sure Cindy was breathing. He even unlocked the front door for paramedics, showing them where his mom kept her medicine, so they could find out what she had been taking.

Matthew also followed directions by staying on the line with Nations until the paramedics arrived, said Peggy Glaze, assistant director of the Fayette County 911 center. After help arrived, he was able to call dad Everett at work so he could rush home.

A third-grader at Crabapple Elementary School, Matthew earned “an A plus-plus” in Nation’s gradebook.

“He did a wonderful, wonderful job,” Nations said.

Matthew’s mom will be eternally grateful.

“I told him he’s my hero,” she said, her voice beaming with pride.

Matthew said he learned to use 911 from his mom, who happens to be a nurse at Piedmont Fayette Hospital.

Local 911 officials hope that other youngsters will learn the same lesson: it’s important to call 911 for help when there’s an emergency.

Next year Matthew will be honored in a ceremony by Gov. Sonny Perdue designed to recognize youngsters who use 911 to save lives.

Meanwhile, he’ll go back to being just a regular kid, manning the outfield for his baseball team, the 8-year-old Peachtree City Chili Dogs.

He and Nations met for the first time Friday afternoon, and the dispatcher presented his young charge with a lucky $2 bill. Matthew and his parents brought a cookie basket for Nations.

“Thank you a lot for what you did for me and my family,” Matthew said.

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