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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEMS Recognizes Team That Saved Life of Child in Cabot

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CABOT, Ark. (Aug. 7, 2024) - Today, MEMS recognized 18 Cabot Aquatic Center lifeguards and staff for rescuing a 3-year-old from a near-drowning incident.

On Memorial Day, May 27, 2024, Cabot 911 received a call from the Cabot Aquatic Park in reference to a 3-year-old who had been pulled from the pool by lifeguard staff who were performing CPR. Cabot Fire and Police arrived on the scene and reported to MEMS that the child was unconscious but breathing.

MEMS medics transported the child to Arkansas Children's Hospital emergently. Upon arrival to the ER, the child was crying and saying, "Mommy" before they cleared from the hospital.

Due to the training and quick response by Aquatic Center staff, the child was discharged the next day, healthy, with full neurological function.

Recognized today were:

Kelly Lewis, Hannah Salser, Regan Adcock, Bryce Strasner, Chris Geater, Jessica Tenorio, Jay Means, Sara Davis, Eli Young, James Bolton, Paisley Hicks, Sam Rogers, Emory Koch, Hayes Cox, Isabella Grihalva, Madison Holmes-Jared, Yajaira Galicia, Laura Davis

Each of these individuals played a crucial role in the chain of survival, whether rescuing, performing CPR, assisting in ventilation, retrieving and operating the AED, calling 911, consoling parents, controlling observers, directing first responders, and more.

"The staff and leadership of the Cabot Aquatics Center should be commended for their training that prepared them to act in a time of crisis," said Greg Thompson, executive director of MEMS. "Their prompt efforts to rescue and provide proper CPR undoubtedly saved the life of this child. It is an honor to recognize these community heroes and thank them for their service."

MEMS encourages everyone to learn CPR and offers free Family and Friends CPR classes and can teach American Heart Association CPR. If you are interested, please get in touch with MEMS at 501-301-1400.

About MEMS

MEMS is a public, non-profit entity, and is governed by the Little Rock Ambulance Authority (LRAA). Serving Pulaski and Grant Counties and the cities of Maumelle, Sherwood, and Cabot, MEMS covers approximately 1,800 square miles and more than 400,000 people. Since 2001, MEMS has been accredited with the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) which signifies a “Gold Standard” in emergency medical service providers. 

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