Broward Off-Duty Firefighter Saves 5-year-old child in Lauderdale-by-the-sea

For Broderick Espinoza, it was a relaxing Sunday afternoon away from the fire station as he lounged at a hotel pool in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. But the Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue firefighter/paramedic knows that in his line of work, there is no off duty.

That truism played out shortly after 4 p.m. on May 24 at the Plunge Beach Resort. That’s when someone realized that a young child was submerged in the water. Espinoza reacted. The child did not have a pulse, and Espinoza immediately started CPR on the boy. With assistance from off-duty Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Lieutenant Jesus Fuentes, within a short period, the child regained a pulse and expelled water from his lungs. Soon after, a Broward Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to 911 calls as did Pompano Beach Fire Rescue.

Espinoza carried the child to on-duty paramedics who took 5-year-old Tyler Nelson to a hospital where he was checked out, kept overnight and released after being given a clean bill of health. Thanks to Espinoza and others, Tyler is expected to make a full recovery and was able to celebrate his kindergarten graduation last Monday, June 1.

Espinoza and Fuentes weren’t alone in their heroic efforts. Two off-duty nurses assisted as well. All four of them used their skills and training to give Tyler the immediate, urgent medical care he needed until first responders arrived. Time matters in these cases. Drowning prevention advocates say drowning can happen in as little as 20 seconds, and within minutes a victim can suffer brain damage.

With the school year almost complete and summer on the horizon, the Broward Sheriff’s Office urges you to please make water safety a priority by following these important safety reminders:

· A responsible adult should always closely and constantly supervise young children near water.

· Adults should avoid all distractions when actively monitoring children in the water.

· Keep small children within arm’s reach.

· Install “child proof” fencing, locks, alarms, or sensors to keep children from entering pool areas.

· Teach your kids how to swim or float on their backs for air.

· Be sure rescue equipment and a telephone are nearby in the event of an emergency.

· Learn CPR.

Broward County offers important information and swim lessons through its Water Smart Broward program. More details can be found HERE.