Authorities honored a 9-year-old boy for helping to save his father who had been bitten by a rattlesnake.
Shane Newton, 44, and son Grant were hiking through woods at Lake Arrowhead on Nov. 18 when a rattlesnake struck Shane in the leg.
Authorities say young Grant helped kill the snake with a gun and followed directions from the 911 center to keep his father alert.
"Incredibly proud of him. As a parent when our kids don't act the way they're supposed to, and this time when he needed to, for sure he definitely came through," said Shane Newton.
The father and son were reunited with emergency personnel who helped them through the ordeal on Friday.
Cindy Brookshire of the Cherokee 911 Center said that she was impressed with Grant's ability to stay calm and answer questions.
"He did a good job and I'm proud of him and I know his dad is proud of him," said Brookshire.
Rescuers reached the remote location 50 minutes after the call him in. Shane's condition deteriorated but they were able to stabilize him.
First responders praised the coordination and communications.
First responders praised emergency coordination and communications.
"It was a good team effort with everyone as far as from the flight crews to fire department crews to dispatch,' said Lt. Ric Mitchell.
Shane Newton was hospitalized for a week after the incident. He has since fully recovered.
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A 9-year-old boy helped kill a rattlesnake that bit his father. (photo by Tim Cavender of Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services)
