ANDERSON, Ind. — As pools open this month, it's crucial to understand the risks of drowning. According to recent Stop Drowning Now statistics, drowning remains the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children aged 1 to 4. Shockingly, 23% of child drownings occur during family gatherings near pools.
It's a tragedy Tami and Rob Wagner are familiar with. For the couple from Anderson, opening their pool this year evoked mixed emotions. They vividly recall the incident involving their granddaughter, Willow.
"It's gonna take a long time to unsee what we saw that day," Rob said.
They found the 5-year-old face-down in the above-ground pool in their side yard. They pulled her from the water and alternated providing CPR until first responders arrived 5 to 7 minutes later.
"(Rob performed) CPR for what seemed like an eternity, and we were not seeing any changes," Tami recalled.
The first responders shocked Willow with an AED and took her via ambulance and helicopter for pediatric trauma care.
The medical team predicted a grim outcome.
"The best that we could hope for was that Willow would be severely brain-damaged for the rest of her life, and that she did not feel like she would survive," Tami said they were told.
The Wagners were devastated.
But on the second day at the hospital, Willow opened her eyes. Two days later, she was off life support. And by the sixth day, Willow stood and started walking.
"We took her home on day eight, and it's been well over a year in July, and she has zero deficits at all," Tami said.
Amazingly, on the 11th day, the family shot a video of Willow happily swimming back in the family pool.
"We got an outcome that many people don't, and we're grateful for that," Tami said.
Doctors who cared for Willow, like Dr. Andy Beardsley, credit the early CPR for her recovery and said bystander CPR is a critical predictor for survival.
"Every minute that the brain goes without action is more chance of permanent damage. We see patients that, unfortunately, died from their accident or their injury that maybe could have been saved," Beardsely said.
A recovery like Willow's is what the Wagners want for others when tragedy strikes — and it starts with learning CPR. The training classes take two hours.
"I don't want anybody to not know what to do if they need that in that moment," Tami said.
The Wagners now have heightened awareness, new cameras, and many door and activity notifications to help keep Willow safe.
"She is a big blessing to us to have in her life, and we are so grateful that she's still with us," Tami said.
Interested in becoming CPR certified? You can enroll in a free class offered by Ascension St. Vincent and Check Up 13. Alternatively, other training options are available for just $25. Don't hesitate — become a lifesaver today!