For the Reporter
Austin Holdt, a 9-year-old boy from Pacific, was named a King County 911 Hero for his quick actions that saved his grandmother’s life.
When his grandmother, Shauna Holdt, fell unconscious, Austin called 911 to summon first-responders. He was able to keep calm and answer the call-taker’s questions and help arrived to his door within minutes.
Kent’s Yvonne Rhoades – the 911 dispatcher who received his call – presented the award to Austin on Thursday as the county kicked off National 911 Education Month by releasing a new storybook that teaches children how to use 911.
“Austin is an inspiration for other children in King County, and through our new storybook we hope more kids learn the how, when, and where of calling 911,” said Marlys Davis, King County E-911 program manager.
The storybook, “Emery and the Ice Carnival,” was developed by the King County E-911 Program Office. The book was unveiled Thursday during a special reading event at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. Kids followed along with the adventures of the book’s star, Emery the Emergency Penguin, learning the fundamentals of calling 911:
• Know how: Understand exactly how to use your phone to dial 911.
• Know when: Only call 911 if there’s a real emergency.
• Know where: Always know exactly where you are. Do you know the address?
“I’m glad more kids will learn how to call 911. I was scared to call but luckily my mother taught me all of the steps,” Austin said. “I was proud of myself for staying calm and answering all of the questions that helped save my grandmother’s life. I even remembered what kind of medication my grandma takes.”
During April, first-responders will read “Emery and the Ice Carnival” to youngsters at 13 libraries throughout Seattle and King County. Jennifer Lemus, a Seattle Police Department 911 dispatcher who helped inspire the story, unveiled the storybook and served as the first reader at Thursday’s event.
After the library tour, “Emery and the Ice Carnival” will be available to schools and community organizations to check out from King County’s E-911 Program Office. For a list of library event readings and downloadable 911 education materials, visit www.kingcounty.gov/911.
PHOTO BELOW: Austin Holdt, with his mother, Crystal Burris, and grandmother, Shauna Holdt. Courtesy
