Needham police praise children who called 911 to help choking family member

The Needham Police Department praised two kids after they called 911 to help a choking family member.

On Wednesday, Needham Fire responded to a report of a male actively choking, police said. Family members were trying to dislodge the obstruction while two children, ages 9 and 11, called 911.

The man was still choking when first responders arrived, but the professionals were able to dislodge the obstruction, police said.

“We could not be prouder of these two kids,” the police department said. “In what was undoubtedly a frightening and stressful moment, they stayed calm enough to call 911, communicate with the dispatchers, and make sure emergency responders knew where they were needed. Their actions helped get assistance to their family when every second mattered.”

Needham police reminded parents of the importance of teaching children their home address, how to call 911, and what information to give in an emergency.

“To the 9 and 11-year-old who helped their family during an incredibly scary moment, you both did an amazing job. Your quick thinking, courage, and ability to stay calm made all the difference,” the department said in a Facebook post with an image of two stuffed police dogs apparently gifted to the children.