Massachusetts Firefighters Honored for Saving Toddler
BRIDGEWATER, Mass. --
Bridgewater emergency responders were honored on Tuesday after they saved a toddler from drowning in a backyard pool last month.
NewsCenter 5's Rhondella Richardson reported that the Sept. 25 rescue was a team effort and possible because of a new piece of equipment in the ambulance.
"For about five seconds he learned how to unlock the door, get out of the door, go out the stairs and somehow ended up in the pool," said Rebecca Abbassi, whose son, Amin, 2, fell into the family pool.
Amin's parents said the toddler's tumble into the swallow end of the backyard pool was the most traumatic thing they have lived through.
"My neighbor Kathy came over and she helped me with chest compressions as I breathed into his mouth and held his nose closed. He was not responsive," Abbassi said.
"The child did die. And the paramedics and officers at the scene brought him back," said Bridgewater Fire Chief George Rogers.
The Bridgewater firefighters used one of the newest tools available to them -- the IO.
"IO stands for intraosseous, which means that it is an access through the bone marrow in the bone. We take the drill, pick a spot, drill in, pull the drill out, take the needle out, now it is into the marrow and we can enter medications or fluid," said Bridgewater firefighter Jeff Germaine.
Paramedics said the IO drill has many uses.
"Sometimes if you're a diabetic it's hard to get an IV access, especially with someone who is not breathing," said Bridgewater firefighter Carol Berghaus.
Amin spent four days in the intensive care unit at Children's Hospital.
"Every time I close my eyes, he's blue. I can still feel his clammy wet skin, and I still see his blue lips. And now I'm going to cry," Abbassi said.
Only a handful of rescue vehicles have the expensive IO drill.
Amin does not have a scar or complications from the device.
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