Two local children were honored last month at a ceremony at the Carmichaels Fire Hall. Eight-year-old Aaron Hilverding and his nine-year old sister Kaitlyn saved the life of a family friend by calling 911 after a horrible accident.
Tim Howard was cutting a tree near Carmichaels when it kicked back and landed on him. Howard suffered multiple, life-threatening injuries. Luckily, Aaron had accompanied him into the woods. As soon as the accident occurred, the youngster sprinted to find his sibling, who was nearby.
The two Beth-Center students called 911 and proceeded to relay the urgent situation with a maturity beyond their years. Mike Varner, a paramedic with Fayette/Greene EMS, was one of the first responders on the scene. He and his partner Josh Lucosh were determined to see the Hilverding children rewarded for their efforts. “It’s important that children know how to dial 911. If these two kids hadn’t done so, it would have been a much different outcome,” said Varner.
A second EMS crew of Joseph Podlogar and Brent Roberts arrived soon after to assist in the vital medical procedures that took place.
In addition to making the emergency call, the children helped lead a squad of responders that included Cumberland Township police officers, Carmichaels/Cumberland Township firemen, and Greene EMS paramedics to the general area of the accident. All three entities coordinated and quickly ascertained the site in what became a heroic life-saving rescue.
Howard, who was also at the ceremony, expressed his gratitude, “I’m so proud of what these kids did. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them. They were the first, first responders.”
Experts emphasize the importance of teaching your children how to dial 911. It is important to follow these four rules:
1. Clearly explain what an emergency is and isn’t.
Tell your child that 911 is a special phone number to call when they need help. Give real examples of an actual emergency. Also, give examples of when NOT to call 911.
2. Walk through how to use any phones available to your child.
If your cell phone has a security lock, use a simple code that’s easy for your child to remember. Consider keeping a visual step-by-step guide by your phone or in a designated area if you don’t have a landline.
3. Go over important information.
Teach your child what personal information they’ll need to provide to the call taker. You can also create an emergency profile at Smart911 that allows emergency dispatchers to see your home address, the layout of your home, existing medical conditions and any other helpful information you choose to provide.
4. Practice, practice, practice
Consider using an app to simulate calling 911, so children can safely rehearse calling for help and relaying important details. For example, the Kid’s Practice 911 Dialer app is available through the Center for Childhood Safety.
I new Aron from working at a school he attended. Would like to say great job Aron you and your sisters are true heros .keep being good people we need so many more like you two ❤️