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CALGARY — Calgarians are rallying around the family of an 18-month-old boy who died after a mix-up involving a 911 call.
Little Elijah Luck will be buried Monday.
Family friend Jude D'Souza said a trust fund has been set up in the name of the boy, who died last week after a mix-up meant his family's calls to 911 were not dispatched to Calgary EMS.
He said the family will donate the money to Alberta Children's Hospital.
A family photo of 18-month-old Elijah Luck. Elijah died after his family waited more than 30 minutes for an ambulance to arrive. (Family photo)
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Mr. D'Souza said Foster's Garden Chapel has also waived all funeral costs after hearing about the tragic circumstances behind the boy's passing.
Elijah, who was born premature and suffered health problems, died of an apparent heart attack after having seizures Tuesday night.
His mother and aunt waited more than a half-hour for an ambulance to arrive after a 911 call placed over their voice-over Internet phone – or VoIP – never made it to Calgary paramedics.
Neighbours even rushed over to help save the boy, who had turned blue, while one called 911 from a land line.
Mr. D'Souza said the family has been overwhelmed by support from Calgarians, including people who have brought them food on a daily basis.
“It has been great,” said Mr. D'Souza. “It has really been incredible... to see so much love and kindness pouring in to the Luck family.”
Three years ago, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission ordered VoIP companies to provide “enhanced 911 service” through call centres.
Companies are also required to advise customers every year about the differences between the emergency services of traditional land-lines.
