Forney recognizes Patricia Baird for life‑saving response to mother‑in‑law's medical emergency

The Forney City Council presented a certificate of special recognition Tuesday to Patricia Baird for her role in assisting a family member during a medical emergency.

Family members told the council that Baird was watching children and that she turned back from an errand when she learned her mother‑in‑law was in distress. According to the family member who spoke at the dais, Baird called 911 and, when the woman stopped breathing, placed the patient on the floor and performed chest compressions together with the patient's daughter until the person began breathing again and emergency responders took over.

"Patricia came in. She called 911 ... and basically started doing chest compressions and, basically got my mom breathing again," the family member said during the council meeting. The council read a certificate recognizing Baird "for her courageous response in assisting her mother‑in‑law in her time of need. Her quick actions provided the critical time needed to reach the hospital."

Councilmembers and attendees applauded; the presentation was described in the minutes as a surprise recognition and the family said Baird had not known why she had been asked to appear at the dais.

Speakers at the meeting included Mayor Pro Tem Greg Hill and the Baird family member who recounted the incident. No formal action beyond the presentation was recorded.

Speakers quoted in this article are listed below in the speakers section and quotes are drawn from the council meeting transcript.