A routine day at a Union County park turned tense on April 18, when Union County 4-H agent Autumn Baucom heard a baby crying inside a locked car and refused to just walk away. She stayed by the vehicle, called 911 and waited until emergency crews could get to the scene, a chain of decisions county officials say helped a six-month-old avoid a potentially life-threatening situation. Weeks later, the county quietly paid her back with a very public thank-you: its Lifesaver Award.
County Presents Lifesaver Award
According to Union County, Baucom had no idea an award was coming when she walked into a May 11 team meeting. Colleagues surprised her with the Lifesaver Award, which recognizes county employees whose actions directly contribute to saving a life.
"Every minute mattered, and Autumn's quick, level-headed response made all the difference," Nicole Barbier wrote in the county nomination, while County Manager Brian Matthews praised Baucom's "awareness, quick decision-making, and willingness to act." For a job that usually focuses on youth programs and camps, it was a very different kind of impact.
How the Rescue Unfolded
The county's account says Baucom first heard the infant crying from a parked vehicle at a local park. She checked to see if a guardian returned, and when no one did, she called 911, stayed at the vehicle and waited for help.
Emergency crews arrived, removed the six-month-old from the locked car and EMS evaluated the infant on site, according to Union County. A short clip of the award presentation is available on Facebook in a reel shared by the county.
Hot Cars Can Turn Deadly in Minutes
Federal safety officials stress that situations like this can escalate quickly. A child's body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult's, and the temperature inside a vehicle can jump about 20 degrees in the first 10 minutes, creating potentially life-threatening conditions for infants, according to NHTSA.
The agency's data show pediatric vehicular heatstroke remains a persistent risk, which is why a bystander picking up the phone and calling 911 can be the difference between a scare and a tragedy.
About Baucom and Local 4-H
Baucom is the Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development at the N.C. Cooperative Extension — Union County center, where she runs youth programming and camps, according to her N.C. Cooperative Extension profile. Colleagues say the way she handled the rescue lines up with the care and calm she brings to her work with local kids every day.
What to Do if You See an Unattended Child
If you spot a child alone in a vehicle, safety groups and federal agencies urge you to act fast but stay as calm as possible: call 911 immediately, try to locate the caregiver nearby and remain at the scene if it is safe to do so.
For more prevention guidance and tips, see resources from NHTSA and local emergency services.
