DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. --
The parents of a 2-year-old boy who nearly drowned Saturday gave a special thank you to their local fire department Tuesday morning.
Philip Johnson found his 2-year-old son, Carter, floating in a pool at their Deerfield Beach home. Johnson pulled the child out of the pool, began doing CPR and called 911.
"I fell in the water, and Daddy called the emergency," Carter said Tuesday.
While on the phone with 911, Johnson said he decided that Carter needed help immediately. He ran through his neighborhood, knowing that several paramedics live nearby. He shouted their names as he ran down the street.
Palm Beach County Lt. Jason White, a neighbor, came to Carter's rescue, saving his life.
"Afterwards, it was very emotional. At the time, I didn't have any time to think about it. He handed him to me in my driveway and I saw that he didn't have a pulse and wasn't breathing. His lips were blue, so I immediately set him down and started doing CPR," White said.
"I knew if I went running out of the house yelling, somebody would respond. Thank God Jason was home. He saved my son," Philip Johnson said. "It's like my life turned upside-down, but to save him and have him is incredible."
White said it is a huge relief that Carter is alive. He said an accident like that can happen to anyone.
"Carter's parents are the most caring, careful people I know. His father in particular, who was with him that day, is always watching out for all the kids in the neighborhood neurotically. If this can happen to him, this can happen to anybody," White said.
Carter's parents provided lunch for White and the firefighters at Deerfield Beach Fire Station 66, who responded to Johnson's 911 call, on Tuesday to show their appreciation.
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