Tom Carper Congratulates VITA Award Winner

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Tom Carper today congratulated Nancy Ellis of Kent County, Delaware’s winner of the VITA Wireless Samaritan Award. Given to one individual from each state, the award recognizes those who use their cell phone to save lives in emergency situations. Speaking with Carper, Nancy Ellis revisited the night she made the call. During a rural route home from her job at a nursing home, she spotted an overturned vehicle on the side of the road. She immediately dialed 911 from her wireless phone and notified emergency personnel of the accident. Transported by helicopter to a local hospital, Nancy’s heroic call ensured that the couple received the necessary medical assistance. “Nancy Ellis’ quick thinking serves as an example,” Carper said. “In this age of cynicism and distrust, we look to people like Nancy to inspire us through their actions.” In the United States, people use cell phones to call emergency services 140,000 times every day, or 96 times per minute. VITA, the Latin word for life, is an honor that celebrates those emergencies that are averted through responsible wireless phone use. “I always tell people to put the shoe on the other foot. Would you want somebody to drive by you?” Ellis asked. Discussing her award with Carper, Ellis said she was proud. “I appreciate that I can use my cell phone for something really good. It’s awesome to know that you’ve done the right thing.”