Delafield kids honored for saving their grandfather's life
CBS 58 DELAFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Two Delafield kids are being honored for saving their grandfather's life after experiencing cardiac failure.
On March 2, 8-year-old Everett and 6-year-old Annemarie received letters of commendation and the Delafield Police Department's "Challenge Coins" in recognition of their quick actions on Jan. 21.
"Everett and Annemarie’s actions demonstrated exceptional awareness and actions for their age," said Chief Landon Nyren during the city council meeting.
"It was very scary, because I thought I was going to collapse of scaredness," shared 8-year-old Everett. His grandfather, Jeff, said the kids were being read a story before bed when, "all at once, everything went blank."
"I could feel it from it from [my] head, and it went right down," Jeff said. He collapsed and his heart stopped. The kids quickly called 911 and their mom, who was 15 minutes away.
Police originally arrived at the wrong home, so the kids had to run outside, redirecting them to the right house.
"I was really scared. Then I kind of got sad...I didn’t want my grandpa to die," said Annemarie.
Jeff was taken to the hospital, where a pacemaker was inserted. He stayed in the hospital for about four days. Chief Landon said the situation could have ended very differently if it weren't for the children's actions. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death around the world.
Now, Jeff is recovering and able to read with his grandkids once again.
"It’s amazing, it’s wonderful. It’s something we’re going to talk the rest of our lives about," he said.
"Everybody’s so proud of 'em. Especially me," shared Jeff.
The kids will also be receiving a "Heart Hero Award" from the American Heart Association. They are reportedly in the AHA's "Heart Challenge" program at their school, teaching them how to keep their hearts healthy while also raising funds for the AHA.
The American Heart Association encourages everyone to learn CPR, as it could "double or even triple chance of survival" when it comes to cardiac arrests.
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