SPOKANE, Wash. — A Spokane firefighter jumped into action and became one family’s real-life superhero earlier this month.
Captain Kevin Smith, a paramedic with Spokane Fire, was having breakfast with his family during their spring break trip in Mexico when he noticed trouble in the water.
“I could see a body in the surf that was being washed through the waves and up and then dragged back into the water,” Smith said.
Smith and his family saw a family in distress. He immediately went to help.
“I could see either an arm or a leg in the surface when the wave crashed. I was able to grab the child and bring him up onto the sandy beach,” Smith explained.
The boy, about 6 or 7 years old, was not breathing. Smith began rescue breathing right away.
The boy soon showed signs of life after Smith’s efforts.
“Then the child’s eyes opened and began crying. At that time, his dad grabbed him in his arms and held him and I communicated with him, and he was very thankful,” Smith said.
Smith didn’t plan to be a hero that day, but his quick thinking and action helped him save a life.
Everyone can learn a lesson from Captain Smith. If you ever find yourself in a similar situation rescuing someone out of the water, it’s important to know what to do.
According to SFD, you should lift the person’s shoulders up to create an airway and start rescue breaths or you can do CPR.
“Hands on the chest, at roughly 100 times a minute,” Smith said.
Smith emphasized though to be aware of your surroundings so that you don’t become part of the problem. Also, always call 911.
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