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911 Dispatcher Walks Family Members Through CPR, Saving Toddler's Life

March 14, 2023

A 2-year-old girl found face down in her family's pool Sunday afternoon is recovering after relatives pulled her out and started CPR with the guidance of a 911 supervisor until a rescue crew arrived at the scene.

Volusia Sheriff's Office

Deputies and Volusia County Fire Rescue responded to a home in DeLeon Springs, FL, after a frantic 911 call around 4:48 p.m. on Sunday. A 2-year-old girl was found face-down in an above-ground swimming pool while a family member was reportedly watching several children for their mother.

That family member jumped in the pool and pulled the toddler out. She immediately called 911 for help, telling the dispatcher no one on scene had any CPR training. While sending units to the scene, Telecommunicator Supervisor Thomas Eggers began giving CPR instructions over the phone.

"Okay. Put the baby flat on her back on a hard surface. I want you to take one hand and place it on the center of her chest … and to press to a depth of one inch. Okay? We're going to do 30 compressions," Eggers can be heard saying.

The first unit on scene, Deputy Kaelin Darcy, took over CPR, then picked up the child and ran her to a Fire Rescue crew that arrived moments later. Soon, the child was responsive and crying. She was transported to a hospital in serious condition for further treatment.

As of Monday, she remained hospitalized but it was reported she’s doing well and showing promising signs of making a full recovery.

Watch the video below (with audio from 911 call)