Hinsdale 10-Year-Old Saves Father's Life

HINSDALE, IL – A 10-year-old Hinsdale boy was called a hero Tuesday for saving his father's life in November.

Jacob Meltzer was given the Hinsdale Fire Department's life-saving award at a Village Board meeting. The award has been given only a handful of times in the last 15 years, Village President Tom Cauley said.

On Nov. 12, firefighters responded after Meltzer called 911 about his father, Bob Meltzer. This was after the older Meltzer began to slur his words, Cauley said.

"According to Jacob, his father wasn't acting right," Cauley said. "The firefighters assessed that Jacob's father was slow to respond and confused. Jacob remained calm and answered the medic's questions about what had happened and what his father's symptoms were."

The information was vital for firefighters to activate the stroke alert at the Hinsdale hospital, Cauley said. This allowed the hospital to start critical tests and treatments even before the ambulance had left the house, he said.

"Jacob's composure during this stressful incident expedited the delivery of life-saving clot-buster medication that began to reverse the father's symptoms as he was being airlifted for a higher level of care," Cauley said.

The son remained "calm and collected" during the chaotic situation, Cauley said.

"He is a real hero," the village president said. "His bravery and quick thinking saved his father's life."

Meltzer accepted the award with his family, including his father, present.