Wireless Samaritans
Every day more than 224,000 wireless phone calls are made to 9-1-1. That is why the VITA™ (Latin for "life") Wireless Samaritan Awards are presented annually to honor people across the United States who used their wireless technology to save lives, stop crime and help others in emergency situations. These individuals exemplify the importance of putting safety first, as well as the crucial role wireless technology can play in emergencies. Unicel is proud to partner with the CTIA to sponsor this program and honor selected individuals.
— Kathy Campbell
In August 2005 Kathy Campbell, her husband and two other couples embarked on a motorcycle trip from Minnesota to the west coast. While riding through a desolate area in Oregon, an antelope raced out of the ditch and hit the front motorcycle, sending its two passengers skidding down the highway. Both sustained multiple life-threatening injuries. Kathy used her Unicel wireless phone to call 9-1-1. A helicopter arrived and airlifted the two to the nearest trauma centers. Kathy was able to get in touch with the injured couple’s children back in Minnesota, also using her wireless phone. Thankfully, both riders survived and are recovering day by day.
In recognition of Kathy’s quick thinking and calm approach during an emergency situation, she has been selected by a panal of law enforcement and emergency response representatives to receive the 2006 VITA™ Wireless Samarian Award. This award honors citizens who have used wireless responsibly in emergencies, and is given annually to roughly thirty recipients nationwide.
