UT Health East Texas EMS honored 3-year-old Noemi “Emi” Vatavuk on September 8, 2026, in Tyler for her remarkable actions that helped her mother, Aiden Wilkie, receive lifesaving care during a medical emergency in Rusk. Earlier this year, Noemi demonstrated calm and resourcefulness when her mother suffered a seizure at their Rusk apartment, enabling emergency crews to reach the family.
Noemi was recognized for her bravery during a ceremony where UT Health East Texas EMS CEO John Smith and Medical Director Yagnesh Desai, MD, presented her with a certificate of bravery and an EMS challenge coin. The ambulance crew that responded to her call, Paramedic Caleb Ridgeway and EMT Tim Spurgeon, also presented Noemi with a Build-A-Bear emotional support teddy bear.
The emergency began when Aiden Wilkie, who was diagnosed with epilepsy as an infant, experienced a seizure at home. Aiden stated she “couldn’t move and I couldn’t speak.” Despite her young age, Noemi remained calm and called her grandparents, who reside near Atlanta, Georgia. Her grandparents then contacted emergency dispatchers and, with Noemi’s help, guided UT Health East Texas EMS crews to the family’s apartment.
Noemi's grandmother, Ryan McCleod, remained connected with her granddaughter via FaceTime throughout the incident, while Noemi’s grandfather communicated with dispatchers, relaying critical information Noemi shared. Aiden Wilkie recounted that Noemi rolled her onto her side, rubbed her hair, and spoke to her grandmother on the phone, assisting her while she was incapacitated.
The situation presented additional challenges because the apartment door was locked, and responders were having difficulty identifying the correct unit. Following instructions from the dispatcher and her grandparents, Noemi took initiative, dragging a chair from the dining room to the front door. She then climbed the chair to unlock the door and helped responders locate her apartment. Ryan McCleod described Noemi's actions, noting she “dragged that chair all the way from the dining room to the front door and opened it.” McCleod added that when told to yell to guide dispatch, Noemi “did it like a champ.” Once the door was open, Noemi went outside with her cat, Nemo, and waited for first responders.
Lisa Wingfield, the EMS system status controller who dispatched the call, noted the unusual circumstances required clear communication and composure under pressure. Wingfield, drawing on skills from her previous career as a music teacher, focused on maintaining a calm voice to help everyone involved remain steady. She later expressed immense relief that the family received help.
Aiden Wilkie credits her daughter with helping ensure she received the necessary care, stating that Noemi “is definitely my hero.” She expressed gratitude for the teamwork among her daughter, her parents, dispatchers, and the EMS crews that day, highlighting the coordinated effort that led to a positive outcome.
