6-year-old Mississippi girl honored for rescue efforts after her mother had a stroke while driving

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A 6-year-old girl from Mississippi is receiving recognition for her remarkable efforts in aiding emergency responders when her mother suffered a stroke while driving in a remote area. Bryanna Cook, a first grader at Fairview Elementary School in Columbus, has been commended by Lowndes County supervisors for her courageous actions during this critical situation, as reported by the Commercial Dispatch.

The incident occurred as Bryanna and her mother, Yolanda Cook, were en route to visit Bryanna’s grandmother in Preston on October 23. It was during this journey that Cook experienced a stroke while driving along Mississippi Highway 21, situated between Shuqulak and Macon. As the car came to a stop in a wooded area, Cook lost consciousness, and it was then that young Bryanna took quick action by grabbing her mother’s cellphone.

In her own words, Bryanna recalled the harrowing moment, stating, “I was scared, so I called my grandmother, and my mom wouldn’t wake up.” Following her grandmother’s instructions, Bryanna dialed 911. She initially spoke with a dispatcher from Noxubee County, who subsequently connected her with Lowndes County dispatcher Latonya Malone.

Bryanna’s role in this emergency extended beyond the initial call; she provided vital information to Malone and the first responders in Noxubee and Lowndes counties. She described her surroundings, the distance of the car from the road, and the condition of her mother, who, apart from the stroke, remained unharmed. Malone explained that while conversing with Bryanna on the 911 line, she used her cellphone to communicate with Bryanna’s grandmother, who contributed by providing approximate location details based on the departure time from home.

Over the course of the next two hours, as first responders tirelessly searched for the mother and daughter, Bryanna remained on the line, diligently following Malone’s instructions. Bryanna even opened the car doors to provide fresh air to her unconscious mother and attempted to rouse her by gently tapping her face, albeit with no success.

The combined information from Bryanna and her grandmother ultimately led first responders to their location. Cook was promptly transported to Macon Hospital before being airlifted to North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo.

Bryanna remained by her mother’s side at the hospital until Cook was released on October 31. Cook expressed her gratitude for the support they received from Bryanna’s teachers and the school principal.

Reflecting on her actions, Bryanna humbly stated, “I helped my mom because I saved her. At the hospital, I helped her get out of bed and walked with her down the hallways because I love her.”

During a special ceremony, county supervisors honored Bryanna for her extraordinary bravery, affording Malone the opportunity to meet her in person. Fairview Principal Monte Ewing-Johnson praised Bryanna’s character, emphasizing that her heroism exemplified the values the school endeavors to instill in its students.

“The level of joy my heart felt when I learned of Bryanna’s heroism is immeasurable,” said Ewing-Johnson. “Bryanna is kind, compassionate, and patient with her classmates; therefore, it is not hard to believe that she was able to call 911 and wait as she and her mom were rescued.”

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• Source: Commercial Dispatch
• Additional Information: Mississippi Highway 21 Incident
• Recognition by Lowndes County Supervisors
• Bryanna Cook’s School – Fairview Elementary
• Emergency Response and 911 Dispatch
• Mother’s Recovery and Hospital Release