10 Questions with South Carolina Nanny Misty Gilbert Who Saved Her Charge's Life

In May, 2019, Misty Gilbert was working her nanny job caring for her 21 month old charge.

According to the American Red Cross, who recently awarded Misty the Certificate of Merit, which is the highest award given by the Red Cross to individuals who save or sustain a life using skills learned in a Red Cross Training Services course.

Benson Davis was only 21 months old at the time, and staying with his regular Monday-Friday nanny, Misty Gilbert. Every day after lunch, Benson went upstairs for his nap. On this particular day though, as he was about to get ready for his nap, Benson collapsed to the floor and started shaking. Immediately, Misty called 911. Then she began administering CPR. Next, she contacted Benson’s mom, Brandi Davis. Benson opened his eyes shortly after his mom and the paramedics arrived. Benson was transported to the hospital where nurses and doctors took over his care.  Misty even made the trip to the hospital to check-on Benson after their traumatic afternoon. Today, Benson is happy and healthy, and doing well.

We had a chance to catch up with Misty and asked her to be interviewed for our 10 Questions With column.

Here’s what we asked, and here is what she had to say:

1. How long have you been a nanny?

I have been a nanny for 10 years.

2. How long have you been working with this family?

I have been with this family for 2.5 years.

3. What was the first indication something was wrong on the day you saved Benson’s life?

Benson had been fighting a stomach virus and wasn’t feeling well. He fainted and started having a reaction that looked to me like a seizure.

4. What did you do when you realized something was wrong?

I immediately placed him in a safe area on the floor on his side and called 911. He stopped shaking and immediately turned blue. I then checked his breathing, observed he was not, and started CPR. 

5. What was the outcome?

After performing CPR his color started coming back and he began breathing on his own again. The ambulance arrived a few minutes later and transported him to the hospital. I followed and stayed with him and the family for some time. After having many tests done it was determined to be due to him being dehydrated from the stomach virus.

6. What led you to become a nanny?

I have always loved children and enjoyed babysitting from a young age. I started nannying while I was in college. After graduation, I became a military spouse and have been moving every couple years. Nannying has been a job I have been able to do while living in different parts of the country, and now that I have a child of my own, can continue working while having him with me. 

7. Was your son with you on this day?

Yes, my son was with me, he was 3 years old at the time, and my husband was deployed.

8. Do you have any other specialized childcare training?

I don’t have additional childcare training, but have worked with children for over 10 years. I started my college career as an Elementary Ed major with Early childhood education as my minor, so have 15 credits ECE as well as general elementary education classes. I also worked as a substitute paraprofessional in college. 

9. What ages of children have you cared for?

I have cared for children from newborn to 16 years of age.

10. What do you want other nannies to know?

I cannot encourage everyone enough, but especially nannies and anyone working in childcare, the importance of CPR training. I never wanted to have to use it, but so glad I have taken the time every couple years to get re certified. It is our responsibility to keep the children in our care safe, and being CPR and first aid certified is one important way we need to do that.