THE HERO IN YOU
FFC'S YOUNGEST HERO
 Carlisa McNee The Young Hero Who Used Persistence & Determination To Get Medical Attention For Her Friend In Respiratory Distress |
Young Carlisa McNee is not your average, precocious elementary school kid. She is Family & Friends Connection's newest hero!
One afternoon, last week Carlisa placed a call to FFC's PRO. It was not unusual for her to call as she refers to her as 'Auntie'. But this time, there were no updates about her newest screen play, unusual poetry, or cool craft project that she is almost about to complete. She had an urgent, concerned, business like tone in her voice. "Auntie Debbie, You are a Nurse, right?" Without waiting for an answer she went on to state that she was on her way to her after school tutoring, and her friend was having respiratory problems. |
Sometimes you hear about a hero in the news, or read about one in the papers. They are seldom kids. But when a kid steps up and does a good deed it is worth mentioning. Yes, we must give proper recognition when and where it is due.
Carlisa McNee deserves recognition for a job well done. She looks like your average 10 year old, but she is far from that. Carlisa is a Miramar Elementary Honor Roll Student who enjoys writing short plays, writing and reciting poetry, piano lessons and dabbling in Arts & Crafts. She is also articulate and determined, and does not give up easily. This smart, outgoing 10 year old, saved her friends life a few days ago. Her mom is a PhD, DNP, ARNP, and FFC's Secretary, Foundation member and Board member. Carlisa is one of Family & Friends Connection’s youngest community volunteers. So, no doubt along the way, she learned a few things that made her spring into action when she thought that her travelling companion and friend was in trouble.
I remember most of the conversation clearly...I also remember thinking how impressed I was with her business like manner, her sense of urgency, her caring voice and her need to do something to help her friend. Even though she is a kid and I was not there, I got the feeling that this was really serious. I was about to ask what happened, but she kept on talking.
"He was playing and accidentially got hit in his lungs, and now he looks like he can't breathe right." deep breath...auntie are you there? I called everyone and no one picked up except you. I can't reach his parents and I am not sure if I should call 911, so I want to know what to do. "
I was so proud of her at that moment. Some adults would just shrug it off and go into denial about what is happening, but this young child, knew enough to get the help of an adult. That was a very wise decision because through questioning, it was clear that the kid in question was indeed having a problem. He seemed to be in respiratory distress. It was difficult to assess the situation completely so the first question was, 'Are you walking, sitting down or standing still?'
"We are walking but he is breathing hard and fast and now he is starting to go slow." 'Where are you?' "We are already in the plaza, we are near to the building, he wants to drink his water but I told him no, can he drink it auntie?". Good job, don't let him drink it yet. 'Ask him if he is having chest pains.' 'Yes, he said yes, but he thinks that he can get inside." 'I am not sure how far away you are from the building, but maybe you should stop and just call 911 now.' "He doesn't want to, it's too hot out here, he want's to go inside, I want to go inside too." "Do you see an adult nearby to call for help? "No, no one is out here. I have to get him inside, we have to get inside, auntie'
I was concerned. The urgency in her voice made me more concerned. 'OK, Help him to get inside and tell the teacher immediately to get him help. The teacher will look at him and help you decide if 911 should be called.' There were a few moments of silence on her end, then, "Ok, we are inside, thanks auntie."
I wanted to talk to an adult inside the building but as soon as she said that they called a code and I had to run. Yes, I was at work at the hospital. I was thankful they were inside the building and the tutors would now help them. I whispered a prayer for the young boy and hoped he would be OK.
UPDATE April 11, 2011: I called Carlisa's mom today to check on her due to her recent minor accident. I also asked if Carlisa told her about her friend who had the respiratory problem. I was amazed that she was so proactive when she got him inside of her tutoring class. She was discouraged from calling 911, but she was adamant that her friend needed medical attention, and never gave up trying to make them listen and take action to help the kid. The tutors were hesitant to call 911, not grasping the seriousness of the situation.
I was told that they considered her rude because of her persistence to get them to take it seriously, and do something. Her friend's parents were finally reached and his mom came. He was assessed and transported to a nearby ER where he was admitted and hospitalized for several days. Carlisa reports that he is back in school now and is doing OK.
She is a little disappointed with the adults in the building, as they did not take the situation as seriously as she did. Hey, she is the child of an ARNP. She cannot help but learn some good medical lessons. Enough to save her friend's life. She is happy that her friend got help in time and is now doing ok.
Congratulations Carlisa! You are FFC's youngest Hero.
Due to your inquiring mind and attention to details, you were knowledgeable enough to see a medical problem, and was brave enough to get help. Well done!
The members of Family & Friends Connection , Inc, and all our supporters and partners are so very proud of you.
Carlisa McNee deserves recognition for a job well done. She looks like your average 10 year old, but she is far from that. Carlisa is a Miramar Elementary Honor Roll Student who enjoys writing short plays, writing and reciting poetry, piano lessons and dabbling in Arts & Crafts. She is also articulate and determined, and does not give up easily. This smart, outgoing 10 year old, saved her friends life a few days ago. Her mom is a PhD, DNP, ARNP, and FFC's Secretary, Foundation member and Board member. Carlisa is one of Family & Friends Connection’s youngest community volunteers. So, no doubt along the way, she learned a few things that made her spring into action when she thought that her travelling companion and friend was in trouble.
I remember most of the conversation clearly...I also remember thinking how impressed I was with her business like manner, her sense of urgency, her caring voice and her need to do something to help her friend. Even though she is a kid and I was not there, I got the feeling that this was really serious. I was about to ask what happened, but she kept on talking.
"He was playing and accidentially got hit in his lungs, and now he looks like he can't breathe right." deep breath...auntie are you there? I called everyone and no one picked up except you. I can't reach his parents and I am not sure if I should call 911, so I want to know what to do. "
I was so proud of her at that moment. Some adults would just shrug it off and go into denial about what is happening, but this young child, knew enough to get the help of an adult. That was a very wise decision because through questioning, it was clear that the kid in question was indeed having a problem. He seemed to be in respiratory distress. It was difficult to assess the situation completely so the first question was, 'Are you walking, sitting down or standing still?'
"We are walking but he is breathing hard and fast and now he is starting to go slow." 'Where are you?' "We are already in the plaza, we are near to the building, he wants to drink his water but I told him no, can he drink it auntie?". Good job, don't let him drink it yet. 'Ask him if he is having chest pains.' 'Yes, he said yes, but he thinks that he can get inside." 'I am not sure how far away you are from the building, but maybe you should stop and just call 911 now.' "He doesn't want to, it's too hot out here, he want's to go inside, I want to go inside too." "Do you see an adult nearby to call for help? "No, no one is out here. I have to get him inside, we have to get inside, auntie'
I was concerned. The urgency in her voice made me more concerned. 'OK, Help him to get inside and tell the teacher immediately to get him help. The teacher will look at him and help you decide if 911 should be called.' There were a few moments of silence on her end, then, "Ok, we are inside, thanks auntie."
I wanted to talk to an adult inside the building but as soon as she said that they called a code and I had to run. Yes, I was at work at the hospital. I was thankful they were inside the building and the tutors would now help them. I whispered a prayer for the young boy and hoped he would be OK.
UPDATE April 11, 2011: I called Carlisa's mom today to check on her due to her recent minor accident. I also asked if Carlisa told her about her friend who had the respiratory problem. I was amazed that she was so proactive when she got him inside of her tutoring class. She was discouraged from calling 911, but she was adamant that her friend needed medical attention, and never gave up trying to make them listen and take action to help the kid. The tutors were hesitant to call 911, not grasping the seriousness of the situation.
I was told that they considered her rude because of her persistence to get them to take it seriously, and do something. Her friend's parents were finally reached and his mom came. He was assessed and transported to a nearby ER where he was admitted and hospitalized for several days. Carlisa reports that he is back in school now and is doing OK.
She is a little disappointed with the adults in the building, as they did not take the situation as seriously as she did. Hey, she is the child of an ARNP. She cannot help but learn some good medical lessons. Enough to save her friend's life. She is happy that her friend got help in time and is now doing ok.
Congratulations Carlisa! You are FFC's youngest Hero.
Due to your inquiring mind and attention to details, you were knowledgeable enough to see a medical problem, and was brave enough to get help. Well done!
The members of Family & Friends Connection , Inc, and all our supporters and partners are so very proud of you.