I have always taken for granted having the opportunity to call 911. They’re the ones you call when you need a police officer, ambulance, firefighter, or simply just needing someone to help. If you have ever used 911, you know exactly what I’m talking about. They know exactly where you are, where to come and what services to send. But what happens when they don’t.
My story begin the summer of June 2025. We bought a mobile home to place on our new land. There is nothing easy about this process, it is very stressful. I had to make sure we had the right paperwork, permits, codes, and inspection. First, I had to get a 911 address. I could not have any electricity cut on until I was provided this address. The 911 address is provided by our local 911 office. You fill out a form stating where the property is located as well as the information off the deed. I fill out the proper paperwork and return it to there office. In return they give me the address. Everything begin to fall into place and we moved in our home July 2025.
Jump forward 6 months later. Winter January 2026. We were sitting around the house one cold Saturday morning. Talking about our day and making plans. When my husband stood up and walked to the refrigerator. As I sit in the recliner, I notice him rubbing his right leg. After asking what’s was going on he proceeded to tell me he had a bad cramp. The next thing I know he stated “now it’s moved to my other leg”. And down he went. Out cold.
I jump to my feet shouting and screaming his name. No response. He is passed out, white lips, skin cold and clammy. Panic set in. I begin calling 911. I held his head on my lap while patting his face. The 911 center answered. I begin praise God someone will be here soon to help. Boy was I wrong. I gave the center my information, what was going on, and my location. The female from the 911 center said “ma’am we don’t have that address on file.”
Wait, what, you don’t have my address on file. I did the paperwork 6 months ago. So now what! I watch a-lot of true crime. So I said “Can you locate me by my phone signal”. The female at the 911 center stated “no ma’am we can’t do that.” Oh, great my husband barely knows he is in the world and 911 has no idea where to find me.
Think Carmon Think. I grab my husband’s phone and begin calling my older sister. She lives ten minutes up the road. She surely can get here and help me. When she answers the phone her response is “We’re not home. But, tell the 911 center one of the county hospital EMT’s staff lives right down the road. And I will call mama she is home.”
Great idea sister. So, I begin telling the 911 center where I live, who I live by etc. There response was “Ma’am I’m gonna have to call you back.” What! Are you kidding me! I am upset, scared, and mad. By this time my mama has called my husband’s phone and states she was on the way.
Think Carmon Think. My husband with his head in my lap , sweating, and clammy, begins to come around. Still confused and white as a sheet he looks at me. Ok now I have got to get a game plan to get him to the hospital. I cannot tote him. I need help and 911 is gonna call me back.
Breath Carmon and think it through. My sister will be here in about 30 minutes. My mom will be here in about 15 minutes. I don’t have our neighbors number that is currently a EMT. Then God. He slap me in the face. He said “Carmon call Josh.” Yes Lord! Thank you Jesus! Josh!
I begin calling our friend Josh. Who is employed with our local police department. He will know who to call and what to do. I called his phone no answer. Sent him a text message that stated “Emergency please answer.”. Then I called his phone again and praise the Lord he answered. I begin to tell him about my husband and about the 911 center not being able to find me. With the most calming voice he begins to tell me “ Calm down! Breathe! He is speaking and looking at you that’s a good sign! Let me get to my scanner in my car because I am off today and see if we can get you some help.” I hear him talk into the scanner “All first responders in the area please respond to this street.”
With in two minutes guys begin pulling up. All the family I contacted begin pulling in. They were able to get the ambulance to our home. Then transported him to the hospital. Everyone from my home, hospital, nurses, and doctors were truly amazing.
After visiting two hospitals that day and several doctor’s appointments later. We finally had an answer to the fainting. Vasovagal Syncope: Intense physical pain from severe muscle cramps can overstimulate the vagus nerve. This causes your blood vessels to dilate and your heart rate to slow down, dropping blood pressure and causing you to faint. Who knew such a thing could happen. Leave it to my husband.
I bet you’re wondering if the lady from 911 ever called me back. Honestly, that day was such a blur I don’t remember if she did or didn’t.
When an emergency comes about it’s nice to live in a small town and know help is only a phone call away. Dial 911.
