Vada Carawan experienced a life-altering moment at the tender age of two when her father endured severe burns from an air conditioning fluid spill. Although she was too young to physically assist him, Vada filled the role in heartwarming ways, providing affection and keeping a watchful eye on her mother as she dressed her dad’s wounds. As she grew, she naturally gravitated towards caregiving roles, demonstrating impressive instincts. One notable incident occurred when she tripped while carrying her baby brother; displaying remarkable quick thinking, she managed to protect him from harm while sustaining some injuries herself. “He didn’t have a scratch,” she recalled with pride, emphasizing her protective instinct towards her sibling.
Fast forward to recent events, and it’s no wonder Vada was eagerly anticipating the day her Girl Scout troop would receive CPR training. Her dedication was reflected in her performance, where she excelled in delivering effective compressions on an adult-sized CPR dummy, earning praise for her technique. Yet, it was on a Saturday just before Thanksgiving when her training would prove invaluable. Vada, now 11, witnessed her father Clint collapse when his heart abruptly stopped. In that critical moment, she sprang into action—dialing 911, unlocking the front door for the paramedics, and commencing CPR. Her quick thinking and adherence to her training played a significant role in preserving her father’s life.
Clint Carawan, who had a limited relationship with his own father, was particularly mindful of heart health as he reached the age of 32, the same age his father experienced a heart attack. While he initially worried about potential health issues, he became less vigilant over the years. At 47, Clint enjoyed good health, chalking up only minor aches due to his physically demanding construction job. It wasn’t until he visited a chiropractor for neck and back pain in mid-November that he recognized something was wrong. Just days later, he felt symptoms including a throbbing chest and left arm, which he initially dismissed as side effects of the chiropractic adjustment.
The day everything changed began with Vada ready to visit her mother’s home. Sensing her father’s reluctant state of health, Amanda, her mother, allowed Vada to stay longer with Clint, who, in his stubbornness, still attempted to mow the lawn. Afterward, he tried to take a shower, thinking it might help him feel better. However, soon after, Clint’s condition worsened, leading to a collapse in their bedroom, an event witnessed and remembered by Vada with vivid clarity.
Determined to help her father, Vada recalled her recent training. In a shaky moment, she fished out Clint’s phone, called 911, and promptly unlocked the front door for the emergency responders. With calm focus, she started to perform CPR while following the dispatcher’s instruction, all the while managing her dog, who was agitated by the unfolding chaos. Vada’s training kicked in during those critical moments—she remembered hand placement and the depth required for compressions to effectively circulate blood and oxygen, a skill she wished to apply accurately on her dad.
In the backdrop, the world outside faded, including the sounds of an approaching ambulance. When the paramedics arrived, the crucial role Vada played was evident. As they took over, Vada ran to another room to call her mother, releasing the pent-up emotion she had held back. Clint was quickly whisked away to the hospital, where doctors discovered blockages in his arteries, ultimately conducting procedures to restore blood flow.
Clint remained in a medically induced state for several days. On the eve of Thanksgiving, he awakened, confused about his surroundings, and soon realized the profound significance of Vada’s life-saving actions. As he grasped the situation, he couldn’t hold back tears, expressing gratitude for his “angel” daughter who saved him.
In the tumultuous aftermath, Amanda scoured the internet for similar stories of young lifesavers and soon shared their family’s tale on social media, which caught the attention of local news outlets. Their story garnered widespread interest, leading to interviews, features, and even an appearance on a popular television show where Vada was awarded the Girl Scouts’ Medal of Honor in recognition of her bravery.
As Vada navigates the questions of what she wants to do when she grows up, career paths in caregiving resonate with many around her. After expressing interest in mechanics and teaching, she received encouragement from a friend of her mother’s to explore opportunities in the emergency medical services, with the prospect of becoming a guest speaker to inspire others with her own story of courage. Vada Carawan’s journey illustrates the vital importance of preparedness, compassion, and the enduring bond between father and daughter in the face of adversity.
