Having just fallen off a ladder and impaled himself on a steel fence post, Greg Carsten was badly hurt and in need of help.

To the rescue came his own children, Kayla, 10, and Jeffrey, 9, who handled the emergency situation with aplomb, a feat all the more remarkable because it was their own father whose life was on the line.

Carsten, 38, went back to work just this week, finally fully recovered from the Aug. 21 accident. He is an ensign in the Navy, serving as material control officer for VAQ-130.

Thursday marked his return to work, which coincided with a “hero” awards ceremony at the Island County’s I-COM emergency dispatch center in Oak Harbor.

At the center, Kayla was the center of attention as it was she who took the lead in saving her dad’s life. As Island County Sheriff Mike Hawley sang her praises to a small gathering of family and emergency personnel, he handed her a hero’s certificate, 911 sweatshirt, a sheriff’s cap and other hero paraphernalia. Kayla’s family, including mother Kathy, looked on with pride.

Carsten said he climbed 10-feet up his ladder to straighten some plywood on a shed. “I went over backward,” he said. He turned as he fell, and “landed on the fence post in the front left chest.” He estimated it took about a minute “to pull myself off the post.”

The impact with the rod-like pole caused bleeding and significant internal damage. One rib was broken, a lung was ruptured, and there were holes in his diaphragm and stomach.

Despite the injuries, Carsten was able to stumble to the door of his house. He shouted to Katy, who took control. His wife was at work at the CPO Club.

The 911 tape was played at the ceremony and it revealed a cool, calm 10-year old (since turned 11). Dispatcher Jessica Miller asked questions and Kayla Carsten answered almost professionally.

“She handled it just beautifully,” said Cari Roll, assistant to I-COM Director Tom Shaughnessey.

Kayla described her father’s injuries, and took the cordless phone outside to him. He could be heard painfully describing what he was feeling. Kayla was told to find a sheet or pillowcase to apply direct pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding, which she did immediately.

She confirmed the family’s address on Alamo Way, and sent her little brother out to the road to flag down the emergency medical responders.

Although outwardly calm, Kayla was understandably worried. “I was really afraid,” she said.

Jeffrey said he too was afraid for his dad. After doing his job to help the aid crews arrive, “I started crying a lot.”

Greg Carsten was glad his children were home and so helpful.

“It could have been a long afternoon if I’d been home by myself,” he said.

Kathy Carsten received a telephone call at the CPO Club about the emergency, but by then her daughter had things well in hand. She described her daughter as a person who keeps her cool and is unafraid. “She dances in front of people,” she said, referring to dancing lessons Kayla enjoys.

Carsten was taken to the local hospital, then airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle where he spent two weeks, followed by another week at Madigan. He underwent major operations at each hospital, followed by a less serious operation back at the NAS Whidbey Hospital.

Not only is Kayla brave, but she’s honest.

“You took control of the situation. You probably saved your dad’s life,” Sheriff Hawley told the girl. “Do you think you’re a hero?”

“Yes,” replied Kayla in a quiet voice.

Everyone applauded in agreement.