Homework emergency: child dials 911 to solve a math problem that he had described as 'so hard'

January 31, 2019 | by Ra'eesah Manack

A homework emergency saw a child dialing 911 to solve a math problem that he described as "so hard." The 911 operator decided to help him out.

A 911 dispatcher in Lafayette, Indiana, proved that the emergency helpline is there for any emergency. She took the time to aid a frustrated young caller.

The young boy was seeking help with his homework. The boy told Antonia Bundy, the 911 operator, he “had a really bad day” and had “tons of homework."

Our dispatchers never know what the next call might be.They train for many emergency situations, homework help is not one they plan for. We don't recommend 911 for homework help but this dispatcher helped a young boy out and brightened his day.@PoliceOne @apbweb @wlfi @WTHRcom pic.twitter.com/w3qCYfJP7O
— LafayetteINPolice (@LafayetteINPD) January 25, 2019

Antonia works for the Lafayette Police Department. She answered a call earlier this month from the young boy.

The audio recording of the call was posted to the department's official Twitter account on Friday. In the recording, Bundy is heard calmly helping the caller solve his math emergency.

911 is the center of all emergencies. This dispatcher clearly understands that it may not be an emergency to us but it is to somebody. Great job helping this very stressed young man in his time of need.
— Terin Hopkins (@thop264) January 27, 2019

"I had a really bad day, and, I just don't know," the boy said at the start of the call.

Bundy calmed him down and began asking him about his day. She questioned him about school and what happened to spoil his day.

Suicide rates in kids are raising and the pressure from everyone (ie parents, teachers etc.,) to succeed is as well. This lady probably helped save this kid life... Well Done!!
— Colleen (@Onlyabrit) January 27, 2019

"I just have tons of homework," explained the boy.

The young boy, whose identity has not been revealed, needed help with fractions. Instead of berating him, Bundy helped him solve the math problem he said was "so hard."

Kiddo sounded frustrated & maybe a touch helpless, definitely sounded like he needed someone to reach out to. Dispatcher did great recognizing this and being kind and attentive to him. I wish more people, dispatchers or not, could be this kind and supportive.
— The Annoying Parent (@Ate6753o99) January 28, 2019

"I'm sorry for calling you, but I really needed help," said the boy after she helped him.

Dispatchers receive hundreds of calls a day. The boy's call happened while the department's dispatch center was not busy.

This melts my heart, that little boy overcame an obstacle with her help He knows that there are people out there in the world that are willing to help him.Such a wonderful person to help the way she did.The 2 minutes spent helping him will have a lifetime impact on him thank you!
— Mindy reinhardt (@MindyReinhardt) January 28, 2019

"They do receive some oddball requests," said Lafayette Police Sgt. Matt Gard. "But this situation of calling asking for homework help — I’ve been in law enforcement for 13 years and I don’t know I’ve ever heard of this happening."

Gard said the call was placed from a cell phone that could only call 911. He went on to stress that the department does not recommend calling 911 for homework but he also commended Bundy for taking the time to help the boy.