HIGHLAND SPRINGS, Va. (WTVR) - When a boy is just seven years old, it's natural to think his father is supposed to take care of him. But in this unique instance, it was the child who not just took care of his father - but also saved his life.
Dominic Gibson called 911 last month after he found his father unconscious on the kitchen floor.
"They said what do you need - police or ambulance? And I said ambulance!" Dominic recalled. He admitted he was scared but said a lesson in school taught him what to do.
"When Daddy was lying on the ground my brain said call 911, call 911 like a thousand times," Dominic said.
Dominic's father Christopher struggled to come up with the right words to thank his son. Christopher Gibson said he suffered a severe diabetic attack and doctors said he had just minutes to live.
"He is a hero, he has been a champ since he was born. That is his nickname and he's my champ," Christopher Gibson said.
Dominic's family said they hoped telling their story sparked a conversation with parents of young children across Central Virginia - making sure they know what to do when something goes wrong.
As for Dominic, his advice is simple: "Be strong and call 911."
The Henrico Fire Department will honor Dominic in a ceremony Thursday. An appropriate venue since young Dominic wants to be a firefighter when he grows up.
