A near-tragedy in a Gilbert backyard pool has taken a stunning turn, as a child who was declared dead at a hospital on Feb. 8 is now expected to survive, according to police. Emergency crews were called to a home near East Chandler Heights Road and South Higley Road that evening after reports of a drowning, and the child was later flown to another Valley hospital for further treatment.
How First Responders Raced To Save the Child
Police and fire personnel performed life-saving efforts at the scene before the child was rushed to a hospital, according to LocalMemphis. Crews arrived after a 911 call reported an unresponsive person in a backyard pool near Higley and Chandler Heights, then handed the child off to hospital staff who continued resuscitation efforts.
Declared Dead, Then Signs of Life
Medical staff at the first hospital declared the child dead at 6:20 p.m., according to Arizona's Family. Hours later, just before 11:30 p.m., police were notified that the child was showing signs of life, LocalMemphis reports. The child was then airlifted to another Valley hospital for further care, where police say the patient is now expected to survive. Authorities have not released the child's name or age.
Drowning Dangers in the Valley
Drowning remains a major threat for young kids in pool-heavy communities. The CDC notes that drowning is a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4, and stresses the importance of constant supervision, secure pool barriers and swim lessons to help prevent it. Local reporting has found an increase in pediatric drownings in Maricopa County in recent years, according to KJZZ.
Officials have not released further details about the child’s current condition or how the incident unfolded. Police say the investigation is ongoing as they work with medical teams to monitor the child’s recovery.
