Galax 911 dispatcher helps to save a baby's life

Galax 911 dispatcher helps to save a baby's life (Image 1) (Copyright by WSLS - All rights reserved)

GALAX (WSLS 10) -  One 911 dispatcher puts it all on the line to save a 17-month-old boy. 

It was just a typical day in December when Aidan Walker was not feeling well. He was taking a nap with his grandmother, and suddenly, he suffered a seizure and stopped breathing.

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His grandmother and mom called 911, and begged Dispatcher Tim Webb for help.  

That is when Webb had a huge decision to make. The family did not know CPR, and the ambulances had a nearly 20-minute trip to get to Aidan.

But dispatch centers need a special emergency medical dispatch certification to give out CPR instructions over the phone.  

The Galax Police Department did not have EMD certification, but Webb knew it was now or never for this little boy.  

Webb said his chief Rick Clark was in the room during the call and knew the situation. They locked eyes, and he knew it was an unspoken agreement that they had to act, no matter the risk.  

The Galax Police Department is in the process of getting that EMD certification, so that by March, each dispatcher will be able to give out CPR instructions over the phone if needed.  

If you are interested in taking a CPR class to help protect your family, you can sign up for classes through the American Red Cross.