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Airdrie RCMP are encouraging parents to begin teaching children as young as four how to recognize an emergency and call 9-1-1.
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Early training, they say, helps build confidence and calm during crises.
The advice was issued in a written media release on May 5.
"Teaching children how to recognize an emergency, how to stay calm, and how to call for help is a crucial part of keeping them safe," the RCMP noted.
The RCMP recommend starting with simple role-play scenarios, such as a house fire, injury, or a stranger at the door. They advise showing children how to dial 9-1-1, explaining what kind of situations require the call, and making sure children know their name, address and a parent’s phone number.
Other steps include posting emergency contacts visibly in the home, creating an exit plan, and identifying trusted adults such as police officers and firefighters.
"Revisit emergency plans regularly and treat the conversation as a normal part of staying safe — just like wearing a seatbelt or looking both ways before crossing the street," the release said.
The RCMP statement was issued the same week as Emergency Preparedness Week, a nationwide public safety campaign coordinated by Public Safety Canada and the provinces. This year’s campaign runs May 4 to 10 with the theme: "Be prepared. Know your risks."
According to the Government of Alberta, Emergency Preparedness Week is designed to help residents break down readiness into manageable actions. These include knowing the risks in your area, making a plan, building a kit, and connecting with neighbours and local resources.
"Emergency preparedness is an ongoing journey that is built over time and unique for everyone," the province states on its official Emergency Preparedness Week webpage. "Whether you’re creating materials, hosting events, or engaging online, this theme encourages individuals to act in preventing, mitigating, and preparing for local risks."
The RCMP's advice follows a March 26 emergency in Crossfield, where a five-year-old put those lessons into action. DiscoverAirdrie interviewed Ellie Mae Lefebvre and her family in early April, shortly after she was formally recognized by police for her quick thinking.
Five-year-old Ellie Mae Lefebvre was at home with her father when he suffered a medical emergency. According to the RCMP, she activated the family’s medical alarm system. When 9-1-1 called back, she provided her name and key details. EMS responded quickly, and her father received care.
In an interview with DiscoverAirdrie, Ellie said she knew what to do.
"Call 9-1-1," she said. "Because I know when he’s having a seizure, and I know what’s the right to do."
She also told the dispatcher her name, her father’s name, her mother’s name and her brother’s name.
Although she didn’t know the address, help was already en route. After the call, Ellie put the dog away and helped her brother stay calm.
Her mother, Rebecca Lefebvre, said Ellie was trained from a young age after her father began experiencing seizures in 2020.
"She’s just such an old soul," Lefebvre said. "She’s a special girl, and she just wants to help. And we coached her from a young age — what to do, and what the signs are of a seizure."
"We have a button that’s attached to our security cameras that tells the paramedics where to come," she added. "If there’s any emergency, she’s to press that button. The first responders call my husband’s phone, and it notifies my phone too when the button’s been pressed."
On April 4, Airdrie RCMP Sgt. Cagri Yilmaz and Cpl. Ryan Meeko presented Ellie with a certificate of bravery and a police badge on behalf of Detachment Commander Insp. Lauren Weare.
Asked if she enjoyed the visit, Ellie replied, "Yeah! Probably going to the police station... and going to their police car."
She also confirmed her career aspirations.
"Yes, I want to be a police officer because I want to drive the car."
RCMP later stated, "Because Ellie knew what to do, her dad is still with them today."
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