It is a warm summer day and several families have gathered for a cookout. The kids are all playing corn hole and other games. A two year old was exploring the back yard where an above ground pool is located. It is amazing how quick a little one can wander away. Then the nightmare for parents happens.
“Medic 1 respond to 5292 Oakwood Place, report of a 2 year old possible drowning. Time out 1433.” When a call comes in involving a small child it always makes the adrenaline raise a little higher. As we respond to the scene I start reviewing the medication doses for pediatrics. The four minute response time feels like an hour.
On arrival we find a two year old female who was found on the bottom of the pool. A nurse attending the cookout pulled the little one out of the water and began CPR. The child was unresponsive and had a pulse but was not breathing.
The patient was placed in the medic unit and the airway was suctioned. Moderate amounts of water was obtained but the patient still was not breathing. Next a tube was placed in the airway so we could ventilate the patient. At the same time a needle was drilled into the patients leg. This provides access to the patients circulatory system in case we need to administer medications. The patient is now stabilized and is transported to Children’s Medical Center. The patient had a full recovery.
This call was a success because someone started CPR immediately. It is imperative that people learn CPR. It is a skill that you may never use. But, if needed it could save a life.
The World Health Organization report that 372,000 people drowned in 2012. So is there anything that can be done to prevent drownings? Here are a few suggestions if you have small children around a swimming pool.
- Consider purchasing a pool alarm which sounds if someone would fall in the water.
- If the pool is fenced in a gate alarm can alert you if anyone enters the gate.
- Take your toddlers to a Toddler Swimming Class.
- If you have a removable ladder, remove it when the pool is not in use.
- Supervise toddlers at all time when outside.
- Take a CPR Class.
These are just a few examples of things that can be done to prevent drowning in home pools. Summertime is a season for outdoor fun and but it’s important to always keep safety in mind.
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
Collosian 3:20
Leave a Reply