Nanuet: Children honored by first responders for saving their father’s life

Local Heroes: Siblings Honored for Life-Saving Action

Two Children Saves Their Father’s Life

In 2018, a story of bravery unfolded in Nanuet, New York that continues to inspire. Brendan and Katie Conway, ages 13 and 12, were recognized with a rare honorary “life saving award”—a distinction typically reserved for trained first responders. Their courage and calm in the face of a family emergency left even seasoned professionals impressed.

It all began on July 21 when their father, Michael Conway, 48, was doing yard work and disturbed a hive of bald-faced hornets. Stung at least three times, Michael suffered a severe allergic reaction and collapsed, semi-conscious. Despite the panic of the moment, Brendan and Katie acted decisively.

“The kids were so cool, calm and collected,” said Jonathan Delgado, assistant chief of the Nanuet Community Ambulance Corps. “Like they were professionals.”

With their mother Kristie understandably distraught, Katie took control of the 911 call, calmly communicating with dispatchers and relaying instructions to Brendan. Brendan administered an EpiPen—originally kept in the home for their younger brother Michael’s nut allergy—and stayed by his father’s side until help arrived.

“Katie was talking to the dispatcher and repeating the instructions to her brother,” Delgado said. “Brendan assisted with the administration of the EpiPen… Brendan was calm the entire time and remained by his father’s side while we worked on his father.”

Michael Conway was rushed to Nyack Hospital and made a full recovery. “I feel pretty good,” he said just a week later. “Last week I was a little wiped out from it.”

The Quick Thinking Kids Who Saved Their Father’s Life

On a Monday afternoon, Brendan and Katie were brought to the Nanuet Community Ambulance Corps headquarters under the impression it was just a visit—until they were surprised with the life saving award.

“I’m proud of you guys,” their father said at the ceremony. “Thank you for responding so well.”

This remarkable act of bravery was a first for Delgado, who has served with the ambulance corps for over ten years. “Our biggest thing is to acknowledge the kids who were able to listen to the 911 dispatchers and were brave enough to administer the EpiPen,” he said. “It’s really cool, honoring the kids for their heroic work.”

The incident has also raised awareness about the importance of having emergency medication like an EpiPen accessible—and the importance of teaching kids how to use it.

In a world often dominated by headlines of tragedy or missteps, stories like this shine as beacons of hope and human resilience. The Conway children’s ability to act swiftly, calmly, and compassionately in a life-threatening emergency is nothing short of inspirational. Their story is a reminder that heroes come in all ages—and sometimes the bravest hearts belong to the youngest among us.

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