VIDEO: 911 Dispatcher Takes Frantic Call From a Desperate Mother, and Then Must Decide Whether or Not to Break the Rules

VIDEO: 911 Dispatcher Takes Frantic Call From a Desperate Mother, and Then Must Decide Whether or Not to Break the Rules

It’s a parent’s worst nightmare, realizing that their child is suddenly dying right in front of you. When Melissa Grable found herself in that position, she immediately called 911, and the dispatcher saved her son’s life — even though it meant breaking a department rule.

melissa grable

Tim Webb of Virginia received a frantic call from Melissa Grable in December when he was forced to break the rules to help a mother save her child who had just had a seizure.

“911 where’s your emergency,” he asked after answering the phone.

“Oh my God! My baby, my baby! He’s not breathing! Oh my God, oh my God!” Grable answered.

“Anybody there that knows CPR?” Webb asked.

“No! No! What do we do?” the mother responded, adding, “This is my only son, I can’t lose him!”

The nearest ambulance was approximately 20 minutes away, but since the Galax Police Department did not have an emergency medical dispatch certification, giving CPR instructions over the phone amounted to breaking the rules, WSLS-TV reported.

Chief Rick Clark was nearby when the call came in and was aware of the situation. According to WSLS, the two locked eyes and an unspoken agreement to act was made.

Webb proceeded to give Grable instructions on how to perform CPR. Using them, the mother successfully revived her child.

Webb, along with Clark, both risked their jobs by giving instructions on how to do CPR. But they did the right thing, what any decent person would do, and thanks to them, Grable’s son is still alive and healthy today.

WSLS 10 NBC in Roanoke/Lynchburg Va

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