Toddler nearly drowns; parents use CPR

EUREKA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) - A 17-month-old boy is recovering in the hospital, according to neighbors, after nearly drowning in a pond behind his family's home.  

Montcalm County Undersheriff Mark Bellinger told 24 Hour News 8 the situation would have likely been much worse if his parents hadn't performed CPR so quickly. 

Bellinger told 24 Hour News 8 at this point the sheriff's department does believe this incident was a "freak accident," but the department is investigating.

"Being a parent myself I know it only takes a second to look down and look up and your little one is gone," said Bellinger. "It can happen in the blink of an eye."  

The undersheriff said he believes the toddler's parents looked away Thursday night around 6:30 pm, just long enough for their toddler to fall into a ditch that had collected water, and lose consciousness.  

"[The parents] were frantic and very upset," said Bellinger.  

But despite the nerves, the boy's parent's called 9-1-1 and started CPR -- before deputies even arrived on scene.  That quick thinking, Bellinger said, made a big difference in the story's outcome.

"I think CPR played a huge role in this case, or in any other case," said Bellinger. "When you get a quick and immediate action to the victim, their chances of survival are very good, so this case had a real positive ending."

Bellinger told 24 Hour News 8 this is the second time a child nearly drowned in Montcalm county this year.  The other incident happened near Carson City in the spring.  Bellinger said in both cases CPR saved the day.  

"You rely on your training under difficult circumstances," said Bellinger. "You're able to go back into that mode, and do what it takes to save your child or children."  

Bellinger recommends everyone get some training in it and shouldn't be afraid to use it in difficult situations.  

"I don't think you have to do it perfectly," said Bellinger.  "If you don't know, 911 is there and they're gonna help you through it, too."  

As a matter of routine, Bellinger said the department will forward the details of this case to Child Protective Services. 

-----

CPR resources

The American Red Cross of West Michigan is offering CPR classes at the Grand Rapids Chapter Office through November 2012. Dates, times and cost are in this pdf.