A day at Field Pond in Andover turned into a race against time Tuesday afternoon when a juvenile was pulled from the water unresponsive and ultimately flown to a Boston hospital for advanced care.
According to Boston 25 News, Andover Police Chief Patrick Keefe said emergency crews arrived at Field Pond around 4:30 p.m. A group of juveniles on the shore flagged them down and pointed to the spot where they last saw their friend go under. Responders found the youth about 25 feet from shore in roughly 10 to 12 feet of water, pulled him out, and rushed him by ambulance to Lawrence General Hospital before he was transferred by Boston MedFlight to a Boston hospital.
Rescue and transport
Boston MedFlight provides critical-care air and ground transport for seriously ill or injured patients and is typically called when a higher level of care is needed. Field Pond is listed among Andover’s inland waters by Mass.gov. On Tuesday, emergency crews coordinated the rescue at the scene before arranging the hospital transfers.
What officials said
“The facts and circumstances surrounding this incident remain under investigation. There is no additional information regarding the juvenile male's condition available at this time,” Andover police said, as reported by Boston 25 News. The department has not released any further details.
Safety reminders for parents and swimmers
Drowning is a leading cause of unintentional injury death for children, and nonfatal submersion can cause lasting harm, according to the CDC. The American Red Cross urges “layers of protection” around the water: constant water-watcher supervision, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for weak swimmers, and using the “reach or throw, don't go” approach when trying to help someone in trouble. Bystanders are advised to call 911 and, if trained, begin rescue breathing or CPR. Local safety groups also encourage checking for hazards before entering natural bodies of water and making sure everyone in your group has basic swimming and first-aid training.
