9-Year-Old Massachusetts Girl Saves Her Entire Family from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

She’s being hailed as a real-life hero — and for good reason.

A 9-year-old girl from Brockton, Massachusetts, used extraordinary quick thinking to save her entire family from deadly carbon monoxide poisoning, according to CNN and Boston 25 News. Her name is Jayline Barbosa Brandão, and her courage under pressure turned what could have been a family tragedy into an incredible story of survival.

The Storm That Sparked a Crisis

In late October, a powerful nor’easter storm swept through Massachusetts, cutting power to tens of thousands of residents for several days. Like many others in the area, Jayline’s family had been struggling without electricity or heat. Three days after the storm, her parents borrowed a portable generator to help power their home — unaware that this would nearly cost them their lives (NBC News).

Initially, the generator was placed just outside the back door and run briefly. But because of the loud noise and heavy wind, Jayline’s father decided to bring it indoors for “safekeeping” after turning it off, intending to use it later. Tragically, the gas-powered machine continued to emit carbon monoxide (CO) — an invisible, odorless, and highly toxic gas that can build up quickly in enclosed spaces.

A Terrifying Discovery

On the night of October 28, Jayline was lying in bed when she suddenly heard her father shouting in distress. She ran into her parents’ room and saw her mother, Marcelina Brandão, unconscious on the floor.

“I heard my dad screaming and saw my mom passed out,” Jayline told Boston 25 News.

Within seconds, her father also began losing consciousness. The colorless gas was rapidly spreading throughout the house. That’s when Jayline made a life-saving decision. She grabbed her father’s phone — but it was locked. Thinking fast, she used his facial recognition to unlock the phone and immediately dialed 911.

“So, I unlocked it by using my dad’s face,” she explained.

“She Knew Exactly What to Do”

Jayline didn’t stop there. After calling emergency services, she grabbed her 7-year-old sister and ran outside to get help from a neighbor. The neighbor, realizing the gravity of the situation, rushed over to help while firefighters and paramedics arrived on the scene.

“She was so smart. That was very scary. If it wasn’t [for] her to call right away, I don’t know what would have happened,” her mother, Marcelina, told CNN.

When first responders entered the home, they detected carbon monoxide levels of around 1,000 parts per million (ppm) — a concentration that can be lethal within minutes, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Fire Chief Brian Nardelli confirmed that five family members were transported to the hospital for treatment (The Washington Post). He added that the outcome could have been fatal had Jayline not acted so swiftly.

Understanding the Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide poisoning is often referred to as a “silent killer” because the gas has no smell, color, or taste. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to CO levels above 150–200 ppm can lead to dizziness, confusion, unconsciousness, and death in a matter of hours.

The National Weather Service and U.S. Fire Administration strongly recommend keeping generators at least 20 feet away from any doors, windows, or vents and ensuring that homes are equipped with working carbon monoxide detectors — especially during power outages and storm seasons.

Following the incident, Chief Nardelli reported that Brockton fire crews had responded to more than 20 carbon monoxide-related calls in the days after the storm. Many residents, like Jayline’s family, were using generators improperly in their efforts to stay warm.

A Family’s Gratitude and a Community’s Pride

Marcelina Brandão says she will never forget what her daughter did that night.

“She saved our lives,” Marcelina said tearfully. “I just remember feeling dizzy, like I had a headache. The next thing I knew, I was in an ambulance.”

Jayline’s calmness under pressure not only saved her parents but also protected her little sister. Her story has since inspired countless people across Massachusetts and beyond.

Local authorities have praised Jayline’s bravery, calling her actions a model of what quick thinking and awareness can achieve.

“She’s an amazing little girl,” Chief Nardelli said. “If she hadn’t done what she did, this could have been a very different story.” (ABC News)

The Little Hero Who Reminds Us All

While the Brandão family continues to recover, Jayline’s act of courage has brought renewed attention to the importance of generator safety and carbon monoxide awareness. Her story is now being shared in safety campaigns across Massachusetts, serving as both a warning and a beacon of hope.

Jayline may only be 9 years old, but her courage, intelligence, and love for her family make her a true hero — one whose quick actions will be remembered for years to come.

Jayline, you’re an inspiration to us all.