Too
often, when the issues of children and safety come together
in our paper, it is to sadly shake our heads over the
tragic aftermath of some accident or crime that has cut
short a promising young life, and to ask what more we
could have done to keep them from harm.
But, sometimes, quite unexpectedly,
it is the children who emerge as the heroic protectors,
showing the kind of presence of mind and courage to
which the rest of us should aspire.
One such youngster is Erin Mills'
Samantha Wartnaby: Twice in less than two years, the
eight-year-old has been quick to dial 9-1-1 to help
her mother in times of crisis.
In 2004, when she was just six, Samantha
called for help when her mother had a severe allergic
reaction that left her unable to breathe.
Then, just a few weeks ago, Samantha
was on the phone again, on Jan. 12, when her mother
was knocked unconscious after a fall down the stairs.
Samantha learned how to use 9-1-1
emergency number a few years ago during a field trip
to Peel Children's Safety Village with her classmates
from Sherwood Heights Private School.
It just goes to show that it is never
too early to show your children what to do in a crisis.
We hope they never need to use the
information, but we can guarantee that if they do, you'll
be glad you took the time to teach them.
