Dialing in Danger: Nine Year Old Saves Father's Life, Honored for His Actions

NORMAL--It's been said people get wiser with age.

But for nine year old Ryan Rice, wisdom came in one day.

Recently, Rice's dad suffered a stroke.

He was all alone, so he called 9-1-1.

Emergency crews say, in the wake of unexpected danger Rice kept calm, a quality that's rare in most people.

Especially, when they haven't even reached double digits.

"I was really nervous," Rice admits.

His father David says he never saw the stroke coming.

"Hot flashes, sweating, I could feel the whole left side of my body was not right," explained Rice.  "I had no strength."

But this nine year old says when it came to saving his dad's life he did what had to be done.

"I was just helping him and rolling him over giving him what he wanted."

Because of rice's quick thinking...and one phone call, his father is here today.

"Totally different outcome, if I was by myself," said his dad.  "I wasn't able to move at all."

Crews managed to Rice the help he needed to make a full recovery.

Now they're together again honoring the bravery of this young boy.

While Rice admits, the recognition sure feels good.

He says the best gift of all is sharing many more years with his very own hero.

"He's really special and he takes me places.  I really love him."

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Doctors say Rice's dad made a full recovery because they treated him in the "golden hour."

It's the span of time when a patient's chances of survival are greatest.