9-Year-Old Boy Honored For Saving Sister's Life

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A nine-year-old Minneapolis boy and a Minneapolis 911 operator are being honored for helping to save a 2-year-old girl's life.

According to City of Minneapolis representatives, 9-year-old Rodrigo Sosa called 911 on May 5 because his little sister was unconscious from a seizure.

911 operator Lori Patrick, a 17-year veteran of Minneapolis 911, took the call.

"I've got 17 years on the phones and I know the calmer that I stay the more it helps the caller to stay calm," said Lori.

Sosa, the only English-speaking member of his family, remained calm during the call's duration.

"I had to call 911 and I had to tell my mom to calm down because she was kind of worried because of my sister," said Rodrigo.

He says Lori made him confident that his sister would be okay.

"She said that my sister will be better when they get to the hospital," said Rodrigo.

Hennepin EMS dispatcher Tom Polzin stayed on the phone with Rodrigo until help arrived. Both Patrick and Polzin praise Rodrigo for staying calm and knowing his address.

"He started it out on the right foot, and he was able to take my medical instructions and translated it to mom who helped care for her. So in essence, `he was our immediate first responder," said Tom.

Sosa and Patrick are being honored Monday night as "Local 911 Heroes" by 911 for Kids – a program established to recognize children who successfully called 911 to report a crime or save a life.

The awards ceremony is part of the International Association of Public Safety Communications Officers Conference, held at the Minneapolis Convention Center from August 19-23.