Little Zayyan Saunders of Bristol was honored by the Bucks County Rescue Squad Wednesday with its Civilian Life Saving Award after the first grader's quick action saved his grandmother's life.
"It had to be frightening for a 7-year-old kid, but yet without delay, he did the right thing and turned it around," Deputy Chief Joe Hayes of the Bucks County Rescue Squad said.
It was back in March when Zayyan discovered his grandmother passed out on her bed at their home on Veteran's Highway. 64-year-old Elsie Saunders had gone in to diabetic shock. When Zayyan couldn't wake Mom-Mom, as he and his siblings call her, he called 911 for help.
"I tried to wake her up first, but she kept making noise so I went to the phone and picked up the phone and called 911," Zayyan said.
Zayyan kept his cool better than lots of adults might have under the same circumstances and rescue crews say his actions meant the difference between life and death for his grandma.
"I thought he might have panicked, you know most people panic in those instances, so I was proud that he didn't panic," stepmother Tyra Saunders said.
"She's my grandmother and I love her and she takes care of me so I'll take care of her," Zayyan said.
Elsie Saunders is currently in the hospital and couldn't attend the ceremony honoring Zayyan. But she, her family and the rescue squad are all lauding the pint-sized hero, who seems to be taking all the fuss being made about him in stride.