12-Year-Old Saves Dad's Life After 3 A.M. Door Knocking

A 12-year-old boy in Nanaimo, British Columbia, refused to give up when his father collapsed from a heart attack in the middle of the night. His determination and a neighbor's quick action saved his dad's life.

Amy Pye was sound asleep at 3 a.m. on Saturday when her doorbell rang. She checked her camera and saw a frightened young boy standing outside, urgently asking for help.

The boy had already knocked on three other doors with no answer. Pye didn't hesitate.

She followed him back to his house and found his father unresponsive and facedown in the bathroom. Drawing on her training as a former Navy reservist, Pye immediately called 911 and began CPR.

For the next 10 to 15 minutes, Pye performed chest compressions while waiting for paramedics. She didn't stop until emergency responders arrived and took over.

First-aid trainer Tina Hein says most people can only manage about two minutes of chest compressions before exhaustion sets in. Pye's endurance was extraordinary.

"Sometimes an ambulance can't get there in time," Hein explained. "That woman completely saved that man's life."

BC Ambulance confirmed the man was transported to the hospital in stable condition. His family later told Pye he had suffered a heart attack and is now recovering.

Sunny's Take

Pye insists the real hero is the boy who refused to stop searching for help. "He was so brave to go door to door to get help for his Dad," she said. "He saved his Dad."

The story reminds us that heroism comes in all ages. A 12-year-old's courage and a neighbor's willingness to answer the door at 3 a.m. made the difference between life and death.

This family is whole today because a boy wouldn't give up and a stranger chose to help.