Nashville Program Teaches Students 911 Safety Skills
The Rescue Rex initiative visits Gateway Elementary to instruct young children on how to handle emergency situations.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Primary Education
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Metro Nashville's Emergency Communications District brings the Rescue Rex program to local schools to teach students in kindergarten through second grade proper 911 procedures. The 30-minute sessions guide children on how to remain calm, provide their location, and answer dispatcher questions.
Why it matters
Children may become the sole person available to call 911 if a primary caregiver experiences a sudden medical emergency. Equipping students with these skills helps bridge the preparedness gap identified in research regarding child emergency response.
The Rescue Rex program provides 30-minute interactive lessons to students in grades K-2. A 2021 study noted that 34% of parents reported practicing emergency calls with their children, while only 40% of younger students in simulations recognized the emergency.
The players
Metro Nashville's Emergency Communications District
This government entity is responsible for managing emergency communications and call dispatching services for the Nashville area.
Rescue Rex
This is an educational program that utilizes interactive performances to instruct young students on essential safety and emergency response procedures.
Gateway Elementary School
Located in Madison, Tennessee, this primary school serves as a location for community safety outreach programs.
The details
The program utilizes songs, dancing, and interactive activities to keep children engaged while they learn to explain their situation and location to emergency responders. This outreach is conducted by the Metro Nashville's Emergency Communications District, which manages thousands of calls during major local weather events and holidays.
Timeline
2021: Pediatrics study on child emergency preparedness published.
January 2025: Program received recognition from PRSA.
January 25, 2026: Dispatchers received 8,007 calls during winter storm.
July 2026: Dispatchers received 4,503 calls during holiday weekend.
October 28, 2026: Rescue Rex visit to Gateway Elementary School.
Culture Shift
The program marks a proactive response to the gaps in child emergency response skills identified in the 2021 Pediatrics study on child emergency preparedness. This shift reflects a growing focus on integrating practical survival training into primary education to improve public safety outcomes.
Parents in Davidson County can incorporate these lessons at home by practicing emergency calls and ensuring children know their home address. Adopting these habits improves the likelihood that a child can successfully assist in a home medical emergency.
The takeaway
Empowering children to act during an emergency can significantly improve safety outcomes for families when adults are incapacitated. Caregivers are encouraged to discuss and practice location details and basic emergency communication steps with their children regularly.
Further reading
Learn more about local school initiatives by visiting the Primary Education section.
More information
To request an educational session for your school, visit Rescue Rex school visit scheduling.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wsmv.
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