In a remarkable display of courage and quick thinking, a 3-year-old girl from New Jersey named Samantha became a local hero when she saved her mother’s life by calling 911.
The incident, which occurred in February 2017, highlights the importance of teaching even the youngest children how to respond during emergencies.
A Calm Voice in Crisis

When Samantha’s mother became unresponsive, the preschooler acted decisively, picking up the phone and dialing 911. Despite her tender age, Samantha managed to communicate vital details to the dispatcher, who patiently guided her through the call.
During the nearly four-minute conversation, Samantha provided the dispatcher with as much information as she could about her situation, stating:
“My mommy’s sick,” and describing her yellow house.
Though she struggled to give an exact address, her persistence and the dispatcher’s skillful questioning allowed emergency responders to locate her home.
The dispatcher calmly asked questions about her mother’s condition and assured Samantha that help was on the way. Samantha even tried to wake her mother, saying:
“Mommy, wake up, mommy,” demonstrating both her love and her determination to help.
Emergency Responders Arrive in Time
Thanks to the detailed information Samantha provided, first responders arrived quickly and were able to assist her mother. The timely intervention prevented a potentially tragic outcome.
Authorities later commended Samantha’s bravery and the dispatcher’s patience, noting that the successful outcome was a testament to the importance of 911 training and public education.
A Lesson for All Parents
Samantha’s actions serve as a powerful reminder of how crucial it is to teach children emergency protocols, even at a young age.
Simple lessons about how to dial 911, communicate an emergency, and describe their surroundings can make a life-or-death difference in critical situations.