Son’s 911 call saved mom’s life

By WILL STEWART / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

When his mom, Carolyn Steele, suffered a severe allergic reaction, 10-year-old Nate Steele saved the day by calling 911. (Will Stewart photo)

When his mom’s throat constricted and she began to shake as the two pulled in the driveway of their Viola home two weeks ago, 10-year-old Nate Steele knew exactly what he had to do.

“I called 911 – that’s what my mom always told me to do when something’s wrong,” he said.

The two were returning from a visit to the dentist when Nate’s mom, Carolyn Steele, had an allergic reaction to a numbing medication administered to her there.

“She couldn’t breathe and wasn’t talking good. I couldn’t understand her. It really kind of scared me. I thought she was fixing to die – that’s what it sounded like,” he said.

Carolyn said she first began to feel the effects of the reaction when she was about a half a mile from their house. Beginning in her fingers, she began to go numb. Her skin then began breaking out and her airway began to close. She said she remembers pulling into her driveway, but not much after that.

Having several allergies, she said she has had similar reactions in the past, but never one so severe.

Nate said it took EMS and sheriff’s department personnel about five minutes to respond to his call. An ambulance took Carolyn to River Park Hospital where she received two shots to counteract the reaction. She was released shortly thereafter.

“It was a shocker. It could have been very serious if I hadn’t got help,” she said. “I’m very glad he called 911. He done really good. He didn’t even panic until after his granny got there.”