They're small in stature, but already capable of great deeds. The City of Ottawa honoured several children for knowing to call 9-1-1 during life-threatening emergencies, saving several lives along the way.

Christopher Flores-Lyons, 13, was among 11 recipients of this year's 9-1-1 achievement awards. The city instituted the program 12 years ago to help raise awareness about what to do when an emergency hits.

Last July, Christopher was left to save the day when his father, John Lyons, was having a seizure. Lyons is now doing better than ever thanks to his son's quick work.

"He was shaking like crazy," Christopher recalled. "His eyes were rolled back, he was spitting, mumbling something."

After what he calls "a primary assessment," Christopher decided to call 9-1-1. "It's nerve-racking, but I told myself I just had to keep myself calm."

Ottawa paramedic Nadine Leduc was on the other end of the line when Christopher dialled in. "He was very calm and stayed in control," Leduc said, "and was able to take care of his siblings even though his father was having a seizure."

Also honoured was Cameron Clement, who was only four years old when he called 9-1-1 with news that his grandmother had collapsed.

"They don't understand what a big impact of what they've done is," said his mother, Sonia. "We were told by the doctors and the paramedics at the time that my mother might not have made it had he not made that call."

Well-spoken at the tender age of five, Cameron's advice to other youngsters about to make the call: "Just stay calm and tell them what the emergency is."

With a report from CTV Ottawa's John Hua