New Bedford Boy Honored After Saving a Woman’s Life With Remarkable Quick Thinking

Eight-year-old Owen Antil of New Bedford didn’t wake up on November 13th expecting to become a hero — but that’s exactly what happened.

What started as a simple family trip to Subway restaurant downtown quickly turned into a lifesaving moment that left New Bedford EMS and the entire community proud.

That afternoon, Owen noticed a woman lying unconscious on the sidewalk between Walgreens and Subway. Without hesitation, the third grader sprinted next door to New Bedford Fire Station 2 and rang the doorbell, alerting firefighters that someone needed immediate help. His actions set off a rapid chain of response that ultimately saved the woman’s life.

New Bedford EMS Director Michael Thomas said it best:

“I am proud that such a young member of our community acted so quickly for a complete stranger.”

A Life Saved Because One Kid Paid Attention

According to Director Thomas, Owen’s instinct to run straight to the fire station was exactly the right move.

“He saw somebody, a woman that was passed out on the sidewalk… and he ran over to the fire station, rang the bell, let them know what was going on, and then they activated 911,” Thomas said. “They ended up saving her life. They brought her to the hospital, which is good.”

While EMS and other first responder departments often educates kids in classrooms about emergency response, nothing compares to experiencing a moment like this in real time.

“It’s awesome that he got to see how it works, and that he got to save a life,” he added.

Owen Receives a Challenge Coin for Bravery

To recognize Owen’s courage, Director Thomas presented him with a New Bedford EMS Challenge Coin — a small but meaningful token given only to those, inside or outside the department, who go above and beyond.

“We have challenge coins that we make when someone does something above and beyond,” Thomas explained. “They’re small, really nice coins. We give them when someone makes a difference.”

For Owen, that moment wasn’t about recognition — it was about doing the right thing. But the coin is a reminder of the impact one brave decision can make.

A Message for the Youth of New Bedford and Beyond

Director Thomas used Owen’s story to highlight a lesson for young people across the SouthCoast who may be considering EMS, first responder work, or simply want to make a difference.

“It’s a great career and a rewarding career,” he said. “For youth growing up nowadays, just do one little positive thing like that and see the benefit of it and the outcome. It makes a difference.”

READ MORE: New Bedford Family Praises Firefighters After CO Alarm Scare

Thomas has been with New Bedford EMS since 1998, working his way from the truck to supervisor to deputy before becoming Director. Still, he says the real credit always belongs to the men and women on the street — and now, a very special eight-year-old boy.

“All the credit goes to the crews on the street,” he said. “Those are the ones out there every day with the citizens. And it’s not always positive. But moments like this? They’re the rewarding part.”

A Community Hero

Owen didn’t have training. He didn’t have equipment. He just cared enough to act fast when someone needed help.

And because of that, a stranger is alive today.

New Bedford is filled with everyday heroes — and this week, one of them is eight-year-old Owen Antil.