Berkley emergency responders help save 3-year-old boy from near-drowning in pool

BERKLEY, Mass. — Emergency responders in Berkley are being lauded for helping to save a 3-year-old boy from a near-drowning in a pool on Sunday afternoon.

At 4:43 p.m. Sunday, Berkley firefighters and police officers received multiple 911 calls from a house on Pine Street reporting that a 3-year-old boy was pulled from a pool and was unresponsive.

Berkely dispatchers, assisted by Freetown dispatchers, gave emergency medical instructions to family members over the phone even as they dispatched firefighters and police to the scene.

When first responders arrived, they found family members administering CPR as instructed by a dispatcher.

Shortly after first responders arrived, the boy regained consciousness, Berkley Fire Chief Scott Fournier and Berkley Police Chief Christopher Baker said in a statement Tuesday.

First responders subsequently administered oxygen at the scene and the boy was then taken by ambulance to a local hospital. The boy is expected to be released from the hospital on Tuesday and is expected to make a full recovery.

Both Fournier and Baker credited the efforts of responding personnel who helped to save the boy’s life.

“I would like to commend the dispatchers that provided emergency medical instruction and guidance to family members at the scene and our police and fire personnel who worked quickly, efficiently, and aggressively to save this young boy’s life,” said Fournier.

Officials are reminding residents of the following safety tips outlined by the American Red Cross:

• Never leave children unattended while they are near or in a body of water, and make sure they have an adult to accompany them into the water. Young or inexperienced swimmers should always wear a life jacket or inflatable arm floats.
• Never swim alone; swim with lifeguards and/or water watchers present. Even if lifeguards are present, you (or another responsible adult) should stay with your children
• Take a CPR course for adults and children to be prepared if an emergency occurs. Update skills regularly.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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