Two Needham children helped save a family member's life Wednesday, Aug. 19, by staying calm, dialing 911 and guiding police to their home during a choking emergency.

The children, ages 9 and 11, called for help after a man in their household began choking, WCVB reported, citing the Needham Police Department. Other family members were already trying to dislodge the obstruction from the man's throat, but the kids recognized the situation was serious enough to get professional help.

They communicated clearly with dispatchers, providing their address and describing what was happening.

When officers arrived, the man was still choking. Needham Police successfully performed the Heimlich maneuver and cleared the obstruction from his throat.

What police want parents to teach kids

The department praised the children in a social media post on Saturday, Aug. 22, calling their actions courageous and crediting their composure with making the difference between life and death. The department said the kids stayed calm enough to communicate with dispatchers and make sure responders knew exactly where they were needed.

In a direct message to the children, the department said they did "an amazing job" and that their quick thinking, courage and ability to stay calm "made all the difference."

Police used the incident to urge Needham parents to teach their children three things: how to call 911, how to state their home address clearly, and how to describe the nature of an emergency. The department called the incident a powerful reminder that even young children can play a critical role in a crisis if they know what to do.

No names were released for the children, the choking victim or the responding officers. The man's condition after the incident has not been publicly reported, though police described the outcome as saving his life.

Parents looking for guidance on teaching kids to call 911 can find age-appropriate tips through the Needham Police Department's social media pages.