Bystander's CPR efforts save boy from drowning - KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar Bluff

A little boy is back at home recovering after nearly drowning at a Fourth of July gathering.

Just before 7 p.m. Wednesday, a 911 call brought first responders to 905 N. Emma Street where a five-year-old boy was found at the bottom of a pool not breathing.

The boy did not live at the home, but was a guest at the July Fourth celebration. Two other guests helped save the day.

Firefighters say another boy pulled the five-year-old from the water and a woman jumped into action performing C.P.R. while others called 911.

Fire crews arrived and shortly after, the woman's efforts paid off when the boy started breathing again on his own.

Firefighters call the woman a hero for her life-saving efforts.

"The CPR that was done absolutely saved the child's life," said West Frankfort Firefighter David Chambers. "A lot of people think this type of situation will never happen to them. But CPR does save lives. The person who did CPR knew what they were doing and is an absolute hero."

That's why West Frankfort firefighters say if you don't know C.P.R., you should learn it. They say when someone stops breathing - seconds count.

Firefighters say in this case had no one started C.P.R. and just waited for an ambulance, the boy may have had brain damage or he may not have survived.

His mother tells Heartland News he was released from Children's Hospital in St. Louis late Thursday afternoon with a clean bill of health and an upbeat attitude.

The boy is expected to make a full recovery.

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