×

Youth commended for his bravery

NEW CUMBERLAND – Eight-year-old Brant Chafins confronted something last week that no child wants to deal with – a medical emergency involving a parent.

But Brant, of Newell, handled the emergency with composure and aplomb, Hancock County officials said Thursday.

“He was an incredible little boy – to remain calm like that,” said Tracy Lemley, director of the Hancock County 911 Dispatch Center.

Brant, with his mother, Dana Chafins, by his side, was recognized Thursday by Hancock County commissioners, the 911 center, the Newell Volunteer Fire Department, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department and the Chester-Newell Ambulance Service.

For helping save his mother’s life, Brant received a certificate of commendation, a Newell Junior Fire Department T-shirt, a toy fire truck and a gift card for GameStop.

Brant was home with his mother and his little brother and sister at 3:37 p.m. on March 20 when his mother lost consciousness. The nature of the medical emergency was unknown, except that Chafins was unconscious and possibly not breathing.

Brant called 911 on a cell phone, so he had to provide not only medical information about his mother but also address information, Lemley said. The call first went to East Liverpool, then was transferred to Hancock County.

“He had to talk to two different dispatchers,” Lemley said.

Brant gave his mother’s name, age and medical information to first-responders. He also gave family information so that arrangements could be made for himself and his siblings while his mother was taken to the hospital.

Among those at Thursday’s ceremony was Chelsea Kavanagh, the Hancock County dispatcher Brant talked to.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today