A teenager from Fountain has been recognized for keeping his composure during a workplace medical crisis, earning a regional award from the authority that oversees emergency communications in the area.

Damian Demmert, who was 16 at the time of the call, was at work at a Dairy Queen in Fountain on April 29 when his coworker suffered a medical emergency, according to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office. Damian called 911 and stayed on the line with the dispatcher until first responders were able to attend to the coworker.

Damian said it was the second time he had to call 911 for this specific coworker. He said calling 911 can be scary, but expressed gratitude when first responders arrived and were able to assist. "You just have to stay calm and give them the right instructions for the questions they're asking," he said.

Damian's mother, Breana Demmert, said she was not surprised at how calm her son remained during the call, noting that she taught him at a young age how to contact 911 in an emergency and that other parents should do the same. "You're not always going to be there when something arises," she said. "So make sure they are prepared."

Damian received the 911 Hero Award at the Fountain Fire Department, surrounded by family and the first responders and dispatcher who assisted in the call. The 911 Hero Award was designed by the El Paso-Teller County 911 Authority to honor kids 16 and under who initiated a phone call to 911 and created a positive outcome as a result of the call.

No further details about the coworker's condition or the nature of the medical emergency were released, and the status of the coworker remains outstanding.