Alert Mass. Firefighters Help Save Choking Teen....In Michigan

WAYLAND, MA—The Wayland Fire Department's Facebook page clearly states that it is not monitored 24-7. That's not the best way to try to contact an authority in the time of an emergency. This time, it worked out, thanks to the quick-thinking of three Wayland firefighters, who coordinated communication after one of them spotted a plea for help from a woman in Wayland, Michigan, on Saturday night.

The Wayland, MA, "duty crew" helped to save the life of a 16-year-old male who was choking in Michigan when the teen's mom posted, mistakenly, on the Wayland, MA, Fire Department Facebook page looking for help from the Wayland, MI, Fire Department.

Firefighter Patrick Walkinshaw spotted the post, and quickly coordinated with other crew members. Dean Casali contacted the Wayland, MI, FD, which immediately sent help to the correct address. While firefighters headed to the location, Wayland, MA, firefighter William Tyree stayed on messenger with the woman.

"I am proud of the effort the on duty shift made and it truly is great the story had a positive ending," Fire Chief David Houghton told Wayland Patch. "I really need to emphasize that social media is not a tool to be used for reporting emergencies. Without a phone people should go to a neighbor, stop someone driving down the street, or if available pull a fire alarm box."

If you have any questions please let me know.

They're being hailed as heroes, as their quick response and reaction helped to save the life of the teen.

The story made its way to the NY Post, and was also featured here on WBZ:

Photo via Wayland Fire Department