Off duty fire chief, bystanders, help rescue four-year-old boy face down in pool

ACTON — The Acton Fire Department reports that Chief Robert Hart helped provide aid to a boy alongside the road after he was found face down in a swimming pool Monday afternoon.

At 4:20 p.m.,Chief Hart was driving near his home in Shirley when he came upon several individuals gathered on the side of Lawton Road at what resembled an accident scene. After pulling over, Chief Hart learned that in fact a four-year-old boy was receiving CPR from a bystander after being found face down in a pool moments earlier.

Using the Automatic External Defibrillator and an oxygen mask in his vehicle, Chief Hart assisted while a bystander who, despite having no training beyond what she’d seen in movies, performed CPR effectively. Another bystander assisted Chief Hart in administering oxygen to the boy.

Shirley Police and Shirley and Ayer Fire crews arrived on scene a short time later and began providing aid themselves. The victim was subsequently transported to Nashoba Valley Medical Center and later flown by medical helicopter to a Boston hospital.

Chief Hart learned that the boy’s mother, who had gone inside the home momentarily while the boy was swimming, found him and subsequently carried him out to the front of the home to find help.

“I’m grateful to live among such caring people as the ones who assisted a child in need today. Each one of those bystanders are true heroes,” Chief Hart said. “My heart goes out to the boy’s family, and I’m hopeful for the best possible outcome.”