Overview
A young child, Kenny, experienced a near-drowning incident at home, prompting a rapid emergency response and successful resuscitation aided by 911 dispatch instructions, ultimately resulting in his full recovery. The incident highlights the importance of child CPR knowledge and constant vigilance with young children.
The Incident
- On November 21, 1991, Lindy Kurtz left her 13-month-old son Kenny unattended briefly in a bathtub.
- Lindy became distracted by the arrival of the garbage truck and found Kenny unresponsive in the water upon returning.
- A highly emotional 911 call was made, and dispatcher Pat provided urgent child-specific CPR instructions.
- Lindy performed CPR with guidance, despite moments of distress and the appearance of water coming from Kenny’s mouth and nose.
Emergency Response
- The Federal Way Fire Department arrived within four minutes, with Captain Tom Forsythe leading the team.
- Paramedics found Kenny breathing with a pulse but unconscious, unresponsive, and with uncertain prognosis.
- Kenny was transported by air ambulance to a trauma center, while his parents traveled separately.
Hospital and Recovery
- Medical staff, led by Dr. Adina Brown, warned of risks of organ and brain damage due to low blood oxygen.
- Kenny remained on life support in ICU, unresponsive for most of the day.
- That night, Kenny regained consciousness and showed no signs of permanent injury; he was released within 24 hours.
Reflections and Lessons
- Lindy and Dennis expressed deep gratitude for emergency responders and medical staff.
- They emphasized that infants should never be left unattended, even momentarily, near water.
- Shortly after the incident, both parents completed a child CPR course they had long intended to take.
- They advocated for all parents to learn first aid and CPR, suggesting it should be part of prenatal care.
Recommendations / Advice
- Never leave infants alone near water, even briefly, as accidents can happen in seconds.
- Parents and caregivers should learn child-specific first aid and CPR.
- CPR training is valuable for everyone, as it can save lives in unexpected emergencies.