Jan 25, 2006 | UPDATED 02:45 PM EDT
Too often, when the issues of children and safety come together in our paper, it is to sadly shake our heads over the tragic aftermath of some accident or crime that has cut short a promising young life, and to ask what more we could have done to keep them from harm.
But, sometimes, quite unexpectedly, it is the children who emerge as the heroic protectors, showing the kind of presence of mind and courage to which the rest of us should aspire.
One such youngster is Erin Mills' Samantha Wartnaby: Twice in less than two years, the eight-year-old has been quick to dial 9-1-1 to help her mother in times of crisis.
In 2004, when she was just six, Samantha called for help when her mother had a severe allergic reaction that left her unable to breathe.
Then, just a few weeks ago, Samantha was on the phone again, on Jan. 12, when her mother was knocked unconscious after a fall down the stairs.
Samantha learned how to use 9-1-1 emergency number a few years ago during a field trip to Peel Children's Safety Village with her classmates from Sherwood Heights Private School.
It just goes to show that it is never too early to show your children what to do in a crisis.
We hope they never need to use the information, but we can guarantee that if they do, you'll be glad you took the time to teach them.
That's some kid. Samantha Wartnaby had the presence of mind to call 9-1-1 to save her Mom Dianna, not once, but twice over the past few years.