First Responder Called To Her Own Home To Help Toddler Son Severely Burned In Fire

A North Dakota first responder was called to her own home Tuesday after her 2-year-old son was severely burned in a fire.

Shelby Jankowski, who was volunteering as a first responder in Enderlin, received a call Tuesday that every emergency worker would dread to hear. Jankowski was called to her own home after her 2-year-old son was severely burned as a mattress caught fire, reported news outlet Associated Press.

Jankowski's son Royce suffered third-degree burns over 30% of his body and is hospitalized for treatment.

“Some calls are more stressful than others,” Tim Owen, Jankowski’s colleague talked about his experience as a paramedic for the past 18 years. “It hit the three big ones. Anytime a child is involved, anytime it’s a friend and anytime it’s a co-worker,” Owen said.

“I walk in the door and she says, ‘That's my house. That's my son. I have to go,” Owen recollected the shocking call they received Tuesday.

The paramedics had rescued Royce and put out the fire by the time Jankowski reached her home along with Owen.

Royce and his mother were flown to a hospital in Minnesota where the boy is sedated and intubated for smoke inhalation. The toddler needs to undergo surgeries on Saturday and again on Monday, reported local news outlet Valley News.

“It’s amazing how chill she was,” Owen said. “She was a real rock star,” Owen talks about Jankowski, reported news outlet Star Tribune.

Royce has a long way to recovery and needs hospitalization for 8-12 weeks. The toddler needs to undergo skin grafting treatment for one, if not both of his arms and hands, according to the Go Fund Me page set up for Royce. Jankowski’s husband, along with the couple's two other children, is also traveling to Minnesota soon to be with Royce during his treatment.

“This 2-year-old boy has the brightest pale blue eyes that melt your heart. He is inquisitive, energetic and a bundle of energy,” the Go Fund Me page describes Royce.

It is unclear how the mattress caught fire and the incident remains under investigation.