A smart call by Kyra
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A special cake and a medal were part of the awards ceremony.
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Last October, Kyra Nelson called 911 to report that her mother, Megan, was cooking noodles when something happened -- her mother was on the floor and could talk but could not see. She had had a seizure.
Kyra answered detailed questions about her mother's medications and health conditions and stayed on the line until emergency help arrived.
Her mother, now recovered, was sitting at Kyra's side during the 911 Hero Award ceremony Wednesday afternoon at Minneapolis City Hall. Kyra is the sixth annual winner of the award presented by the Metropolitan Emergency Services Board.
Wearing a brown dress with jeans and a blue barrette, Kyra shyly accepted the honor in front of her family, friends and second-grade classmates from Southside Family Charter School. A medallion on a bright purple ribbon was hung around her neck.
Derrick Green, one of the paramedics who responded to the call, said Kyra was very helpful. "She was calmer than any adult I've had at the scene," he said.
When asked if she was alone when she called 911, Kyra responded, "Yes. Well, I have two guinea pigs."
After all the questions and photos, Kyra and her classmates were able to leave with some small trinkets and frosting-stained lips from the red, white and blue celebratory cake.
PAUL WALSH AND KATHRYN NELSON
