Responders help save the life of a 3-year-old boy who nearly drowned in Bristol County

BERKLEY – Fire Chief Scott Fournier and Police Chief Christopher Baker report that members of Berkley Fire Rescue and the Berkley Police Department helped to save the life of a 3-year-old boy who nearly drowned in a pool Sunday afternoon.

At just before 4:45 p.m., Berkley firefighters and police officers received multiple 911 calls from a residence 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.

Upon first responders’ arrival, family members were administering CPR as instructed by a dispatcher. Shortly after first responders arrived, the boy regained consciousness.

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

Both Chief Fournier and Chief Baker would like to credit the efforts of their 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 Chief Fournier.

Chief Fournier and Chief Baker would like to remind 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.