Seven-year-old Lifesaver: Miss. Girl Stays Calm Through Emergency, Saves Mom

June 17--TUPELO -- Heroes come in all shapes, sizes and ages -- like 7-year-old Zoie Beaster of Tupelo.

When her mother passed out one morning in late May, the rising second grader called 911 and followed the directions of the dispatcher to get Cassie Beaster breathing again.

During the 17-minute call to 911, Zoie rolled her mother onto her back, pressed down on her forehead and lifted under her neck to clear the airway. Cassie can be heard gasping for breath seconds later.

"That was the single act that saved her mother's life," said Lee County 911 director Paul Harkins. "Brain death occurs after 10 minutes without oxygen."

The Lee Communications staff presented Zoie a plaque, a challenge coin and a gift bag Thursday to honor the youngster's actions. They also played the 911 call, giving the family a chance to hear just how calm and collected Zoie was under pressure.

For Cassie, it was the first time to hear what happened to her.

"I don't remember anything," Cassie said. "I had just walked out of the bathroom and felt light-headed. The next thing I know, I am on the floor waking up and there was someone talking to me on the phone."

Zoie and her mother were alone in the house. When she found her mother unresponsive, Zoie started down the recently called list on her mother's cell phone. The second person on the list answered and told the child to call 911.

"My mama passed out," Zoie told the dispatcher. She then told them what county road they lived on and the house number.

The veteran dispatcher kept Zoie calm and engaged as she took her step by step though the process of getting her breathing while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. She went and made sure the door was unlocked for the medics and even asked if she was allowed to get the dogs out of the bedroom where they were.

Zoie's cool demeanor was not a surprise to the family.

"She stays calm. Her brother is the one who gets excited," Cassie said. "I told her she did a super duper job."

The timid Zoie shrugged off most of the attention, but she did like the Butterfinger candy bars included in the gift bag.

william.moore@journalinc.com

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