In what one mother has described as the most terrifying moment of her life, she accidentally locked her newborn in her hot car. Afraid for her baby’s well-being, she immediately called 911, but she wasn’t prepared for the dispatcher’s response.

Lacey Guyton faced a terrifying ordeal when her 2-month-old baby, Raina, became trapped in her locked car in Michigan. The car’s key fob and push-button start system should have allowed her to unlock the doors easily, but it failed. Panicking, Lacey attempted to break the window but was unsuccessful.

In a desperate call to 911, Lacey was shocked when the dispatcher insisted on contacting a tow company instead of sending immediate help. Distressed, she took matters into her own hands, using a window breaker to shatter the rear window and rescue Raina. Despite saving her child, the traumatic 15 minutes underscored the inadequacy of the 911 response.

Later, Waterford police apologized for the lapse, acknowledging a “common-sense issue” and assuring disciplinary action for the dispatcher. Lacey and her family now advocate for systemic changes to prevent such incidents in the future.

Reflecting on the harrowing experience, Lacey emphasized the urgency of proper 911 training, stating, “It shouldn’t take additional training for a 911 dispatcher to know to send help.” As a valuable tip for others facing similar situations, she shared, “I now know that the back windshield of a car is the easiest to break,” urging people to prioritize the back window for quicker access during emergencies.

This incident highlights the critical need for a prompt and effective 911 response in situations where a child’s life is at risk due to vehicle malfunctions, advocating for swift action to prevent tragic outcomes.