Monument 11-year-old receives ‘911 Hero Award’ after helping unconscious mom

MONUMENT, Colo. (KRDO) - Eleven-year-old Sawyer Ryan is being praised for his heroism and quick thinking after his mom experienced a medical event that left her unconscious.

Monday, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office honored Sawyer with the "911 Hero Award," for his calm composure that August day.

"It was just amazing that he was able to follow the instructions," said Sawyer's mom Sarah. "He was able to just do what they needed him to do."

When his mom went unconscious on August 23, 2022, Sawyer said he called 911 and followed instructions from the dispatcher. He said he counted his mom's breaths and put the family dogs away in another room.

"I was a little focused but also I was worried," said Sawyer.

Sawyer said he's excited to get this award. He had a piece of advice for all the other kids his age if they find themselves in an emergency too.

"Stay focused, take deep breaths and just do the best you can," said Sawyer.