Miracles don’t just happen and heroes sometimes come in teams. Now a 3-year-old child is alive and thriving because of them.
The child wandered to the pool and was found lifeless. The family called 911 and started CPR. Making the situation even more dire, the family was staying at a vacation rental and didn’t know which city they were in.
Within two minutes, WMPD officers were on the scene and took over chest compressions. Fort Lauderdale police and fire rescue arrived shortly thereafter and calm staffers at BSO’s Regional Communications Center coordinated.
Despite being without oxygen for at least five minutes, the child survived. WMPD could not have saved the child alone. Neither could FLPD or FLFR.
Everyone involved was honored at Wilton Manors City Hall during the city commission meeting on Feb. 25.
“[This] is a shining example of how our agency, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, the Fort Lauderdale Police department and the Broward Sheriff’s Office Regional Communications Center came together on a moment’s notice to save this child’s life,” WMPD Chief Gary Blocker said.
In all, 30 people were recognized. The commission meeting was standing room only. The sense of accomplishment was real. The baby was purple and unconscious. But everyone involved was focused on this child living. In police body cam video you see a paramedic holding the kid’s hand and calling him “bud.”
With a combination of skill and pure will, the four agencies and 30 people acted as one.
Officer Burgan described the critical moments in his report.
“I continued to stay with the boy, talking to him and holding his hand until he was taken to the arriving emergency rescue truck. I had heard on the radio Fort Lauderdale PD was assisting by shutting down intersections and contacting the bridges to remain down for rapid/safe transport. The boy left with his father.”
The family met with some of the first responders to thank them for not giving up even when the odds were heavily stacked against them.
Note: The family was able to keep the child alive until help arrived because they knew CPR. To get certified in CPR, visit RedCross.org.
Screenshot via OutSFL Live, YouTube.
