[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 65 (Friday, April 7, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E870]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        TRIBUTE TO ZACH NUSSBAUM

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                     HON. RANDY ``DUKE'' CUNNINGHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 7, 1995
  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the heroism of 
one of my younger constituents, Zach Nussbaum, of Fairbanks Ranch, CA. 
As the article below details, Zach saved his mother's life several 
weeks ago.
  When Susan Nussbaum collapsed from dehydration on February 23, young 
Zach went to the phone and dialed 911, summoning an ambulance to his 
home. Zach remained on the line for 15 minutes and helped to direct the 
emergency crew to his house.
  All of this happened on Zach's fifth birthday, which points out the 
importance of teaching our kids at an early age about 911 and how to 
get help in an emergency. I'm pleased to report that Susan Nussbaum has 
fully recovered and that Zach has returned to his normal routine.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in saluting the courage and 
heroism of Zach Nussbauum.
                      [From the Sun, Mar. 9, 1995]

 5-Year-old Saves Mom's Life--Fairbanks Ranch boy knew how to dial 911

                           (By John P. Lyons)

       As Zach Nussbaum cuddles his two favorite stuffed animals, 
     Sonic and Tails, it's hard to believe that not too long ago 
     he saved his mother's life.
       But that's exactly what he did.
       On Feb. 23, Zach's fifth birthday, his mother succumbed to 
     dehydration and collapsed on the floor of the family's 
     Fairbanks Ranch home.
       Unfazed, Zach went to the phone and dialed 911, ultimately 
     remaining on the phone for more than 15 minutes, and leading 
     medical workers to his unconscious mother.
       ``It was his birthday present to his mother,'' said Susan 
     Nussbaum, who has since recovered.
       But Zach, who said he learned how to dial 911 practicing on 
     his mother's car phone, was characteristically nonchalant 
     about the entire incident.
       ``We practiced 911 in the car and didn't press the send 
     button,'' he said. ``I take care of my mom.''
       According to his mother Zach was calm throughout the 
     incident, and showed no signs of trauma later.
       But the authorities were impressed.
       Most children Zach's age are not as helpful or competent 
     when confronted with a real 911 situation, according to 
     Sheriff's Deputy Roy Casteneda.
       Zach, however, is no ordinary kid, and is already an avid 
     workbook reader.
       On the 911 tape, Zach could be heard giving medics 
     directions to the Nussbaum house and then attempting to wake 
     his mother, according to Susan Nussbaum.
       ``And when the ambulance arrived he simply said `I'm done 
     here' and went back to playing with his tops,'' She said.
       Since saving his mom, Zach has returned to his full time 
     occupation: playing pogs and video games with his three older 
     brothers--Gabe, 7, Josh, 9, and Benji 10.
     

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