COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – A local teen is being called a hero after helping his friend who was going through a medical emergency.
The hero, 13-year-old Caleb Dilley, was given the 911 Hero Award from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.
El Paso County deputies said that in February Dilley was walking home with his friend near Falcon Middle School when that friend suddenly collapsed on the sidewalk.
Deputies said Dilley immediately called 911.
Deputies said Dilley stayed calm through the whole ordeal. He gave dispatchers his location, described his friend’s symptoms and monitored his friend’s breathing.
“At first, I was confused because it wasn’t something expected,” Dilley told 11 News. “I hadn’t known anything about it, but I’m in Boy Scouts, so I had some medical history, and I knew what to do.”
Dilley said the Boy Scouts helped him learn what to do in situations like this.
“I just knew that I had to be the one calm because I had one friend panicking, and then the other one had problems, and then a guy had stopped and helped me, so I was able to stay calm with the 911 guy, and I trusted them and myself,” Dilley said.
Jacob Mueller, an emergency services call taker, spoke to 11 News about what people should do in these situations.
“Don’t be afraid to call 911. We are going to try to help figure out where you are, and we’re going to be able to assist you along the way, and so you don’t have to know everything before you dial 911. That’s what we’re there for.”
Deputies said Dilley’s quick thinking and composure played a critical role in making sure his friend got prompt care.
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