Haley Glaser was at her home in Franklin, New Jersey when she suddenly suffered a bacterial infection and collapsed on the floor. She was at home with her children, all of whom were under the age of five, but it was the actions of her oldest, just four years old, that saved her life.
When Haley collapsed, four-year-old Isla knew exactly what to do and picked up the phone to dial 911. On the line, she spoke to dispatchers Julie Kozo and Olivia Kline, calming explaining what had happened.
“My mommy fell down and she can’t talk.”
“Is she sleeping?”
“No.”
“Are her eyes open?
“No.”
Isla was then able to give the dispatchers her exact address so that Police Officer Mike Casey could get to the location, ascertain the seriousness of Haley’s fall, and act from there. Dispatchers stayed on the line with Isla, telling her that the officer was coming round and to be ready to unlock the door.
But that wasn’t all Isla did.
All the while, four-year-old Isla was able to keep her two-year-old sister and one-year-old twin baby brothers calm until assistance arrived. When she heard a knock on the door, she then tamed the family’s three 80-pound dogs while she propped a chair up against the door to reach the lock and let Officer Mike Casey in.
Mom Haley was hospitalized for four days to overcome her infection.
In all likelihood, Haley might not have survived the medical emergency if it hadn’t been for Isla’s quick thinking and calm attitude when her mom collapsed.
After Haley was released from the hospital, the Franklin Township Police Department hosted a special ceremony to honor Isla’s bravery. She was awarded a certificate and badge for her bravery as well as named an honorary Junior Officer as she was given a tour of the local police station.
Isla was praised by many for her incredible quick thinking that day.
Dispatcher Julie Kozo said it was the crucial information that mattered most: “The fact that she knew her address and she knew exactly what to say really helped us render aid as fast as possible.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Lieutenant Phil Rizzo also commended Isla’s actions: “I know adults that cannot handle this type of an incident with that much bravery, poise, and distinction.”
Of course, mom Haley played a role in what unfolded that day, teaching her daughter to know exactly what to do in such a situation. Along with other important factors like not opening the door to strangers and who to talk to if they are lost, learning their address for such an emergency is a key lesson to teach your children.
Talking young children through such an emergency isn’t an easy task either, and Haley was thankful for the help she received.
“I’m grateful that you were able to communicate with her in a way that truly saved my life, I’m grateful to everyone here.”
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