Fillmore boy recognized as hero for saving mom with 911 call

Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Cameron Wood (right) holds high an award presented to him by Town Marshal Darrel Bunten for his courage during the EMS call that saved his mother’s life.
Banner Graphic/BRAND SELVIA

FILLMORE -- In the film adaptation of the first volume of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” the Elven queen Galadriel says that, “Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.”

Though Galadriel was talking about Frodo Baggins’ quest to destroy the One Ring, that sentiment certainly applies to the deeds of one Fillmore boy that helped save his mother’s life.

With Fillmore first responders present, Cameron Wood, 5, was recognized Monday evening at the Fillmore Volunteer Fire Department for his bravery during what was a scary medical emergency.

Those present for the presentation were (from left) Town Marshal Darrel Bunten, FVFD firefighter Todd Zeiner, Chris Wood, Michelle and Jessa Wood, dispatchers Karly Bumgardner and Debra Simmons and Sheriff’s Deputy Matt Biggs.
Banner Graphic/BRAND SELVIA

On June 21, dispatchers Debra Simmons and Karly Bumgardner received a call at about 10:38 a.m., a call that was quickly hung up for no reason. Both followed standard procedure and called the number back.

With both sides unaware of the gravity of the situation, Wood had given the phone to his mother Michelle Wood, who was slurring her speech and seemed extremely confused.

“She didn’t know where she was at the time,” said Town Marshal and volunteer firefighter Darrel Bunten at the presentation. “She said she was in Fillmore and then in Greencastle, and we didn’t know what was happening.”

Due to Wood being incoherent, dispatch could not pinpoint where to send first responders. But with quick thinking, Cameron found the home’s address on their mailbox, after which he came back and coached his mom so she could provide needed information.

With the correct address, dispatch sent out an alarm to FVFD, who then arrived at the residence at about 10:56 a.m. Putnam County Sheriff’s Deputy Matt Biggs was already on the scene, and had entered the home to find Michelle lying in the living room.

Vitals were checked on Mrs. Wood, who has Type 1 diabetes, and it was found that she had a very low blood sugar of 39 and had been slipping into a diabetic shock.

After she had been stabilized, Wood was transported to Terre Haute Regional Hospital for further treatment. First responders stayed at the home with Cameron until Michelle’s husband Chris arrived from work.

“It was a matter of timing, and it was very good timing,” Bunten said. “If it had taken any more time to get to her, we would’ve been in serious trouble.”

Michelle stayed in Terre Haute for one day, and does not remember the events of that day. Despite this, she expressed that she was thankful for the community’s support and the show of teamwork by first responders.

With some coaching himself from Bunten, a shy Cameron provided that his mom had taught him how to dial 911. A kindergartener at Fillmore Elementary, Cameron has also participated in an annual visit to the fire station, where he learned about fire safety and how to respond to emergencies.

“He was scared to death,” Bunten related after the presentation, “but he stuck through it, and we’re proud of him for making the call.”

In another positive element to the events, there is a strong community aspect to Cameron’s heroics. Cameron is the grandson of long-time FVFD volunteer Richard “Woody” Wood. Bunten also knows Michelle and the Wood family as a close friend.

The response to the incident has also inspired charity across state lines. A relation to Michelle living in Idaho recently made a $200 donation to the department to thank FVFD for its service.

But everyone agreed that Cameron was the hero of this story, and that the persistence in his voice as he shouted “50 South, mom, 50 South!” helped avert a tragedy and bring a community closer together.

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  • what a brave young man! and thanks to all the 1st responders too!

    -- Posted by small town fan on Wed, Oct 24, 2018, at 9:50 AM
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