April 15, 2002

PRESS RELEASE
To: Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Public Information Officer
Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2609, page: 675-2137

Firefighters Fight to Save Toddler

Last night Shreveport firefighters and paramedics worked tirelessly on a 22-month toddler who was not breathing and had no pulse after playing with an adult.

Fire Communications 911 received the call reporting the child not breathing at 8:20 p.m. from the residents at 107 Justin. When firefighters arrived on the scene, they were met at the front door by relatives holding the child’s lifeless body. Firefighters immediately began emergency life support measures including CPR. Department paramedics treated and rushed the child to Willis Knighton Medical Center Pierremont, where he may have regained a pulse, although only momentarily.

Officials were told by occupants at the residence that the child and an adult were playing on a bed when the child stiffened and stopped breathing. This prompted firefighters to believe and treat the toddler as if the injury were a possible spinal cord fracture or injury. Firefighters and paramedics receive specialized training on pediatric "codes" and emergencies such as the one in the case. Special care is given to children by firefighters when rendering medical attention in the way of treatment, particularly when dealing with medications, that are often weight and condition specific. All firefighter paramedics are American Heart Association Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certified. ###