A 2-year-old boy was rushed by helicopter to a hospital Thursday afternoon after a water rescue at an East El Paso home, turning a quiet neighborhood into a frantic scene as neighbors and bystanders recorded the chopper swooping into a yard to pick up the child.
What happened
According to KFOX14/CBS4, the El Paso Fire Department said the call came in around 12:44 p.m. Crews responded to the 11500 block of Spencer Drive, where one person was loaded into a helicopter for transport to a hospital. The El Paso Police Department classified the call as a "water rescue," and the station reported that the patient was a 2-year-old boy. A video shared on social media appeared to show the helicopter lifting off with the child on board.
El Paso's water-rescue response
The El Paso Fire Department's Special Operations Division includes a Water Rescue Team that is trained for swiftwater operations, rescue diving, and other specialized emergencies, according to department materials. These teams are equipped to handle incidents in canals, levees, and residential areas where specialized gear or diver support may be needed.
Air medical support
El Paso also has a dedicated air medical partnership. Air Methods teamed up with the El Paso Fire Department in 2024 to launch the Fire STAR air medical base, which is intended to provide rapid helicopter transport for critically ill or injured patients. Officials have not said which air service responded to Thursday's call, but the local base is designed to cut transport times when every minute counts.
Video and follow-up
KFOX14/CBS4 reported that a video posted to the FitFam El Paso social account appeared to show the helicopter on scene, and the station said its reporters were working to learn more as the incident remains under investigation. City and county officials did not immediately release additional public details.
Safety reminders
Drowning is a leading cause of injury for very young children and can happen quickly and silently, the Centers for Disease Control notes. The agency recommends close, constant supervision around water, barriers such as four-sided pool fencing, and CPR training for caregivers. Local fire officials often repeat those messages after residential water incidents and urge parents to take small, practical steps that can help prevent tragedies.
