Used CPR on my neighbors toddler today... it wasn't enough... warning, graphic..

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I can't sleep.... today was awful. I work night in the ICU, all adults, never pediatrics. I was sleeping today and woken up by my husband yelling for me, he said there was a baby in the lake (we have a large retention pond next door. ) I bolt out of bed and run outside in my pajamas to find the neighbors attempting CPR on a couch on their porch- I jump in and grab the child off the couch and place him on the floor and resume CPR.

He was saturated, blue, and so cold- no one knew how long he was in the water. I didn't say a word to anyone, just went into autopilot whispering the compression counts and working until the ambulance finally arrived and the EMT placed his hands over mine to take over. He asked quietly if I had any response and all I could do is make a tiny nod no.

the breaths were the worst, I can't even describe the sound , but I know I was getting air into his lungs, but god there was so much water in his lungs. Evertime I try to sleep I hear that awful noise and I keep hearing the moms cries and her repeatedly saying I'm sorry to the other people. The man (turns out it was grandpa that found him) was so upset, he kept hitting the wall with his hands and screaming for help.

I thank god god for my training, autopilot kicked in and during the crisis I tuned out all of the distractions and just did the CPR. I can't imagine he will make it but the officers said he had a pulse and was on the ventilator at the hospital as of this afternoon, no updates since then.

I have done CPR before but at work, this was my first time outside of work and with a child. I hope to never have to do it again. I have so much respect for nurses who work with pediatrics. That was horrible.

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I'm so sorry you had to go through that. Thank God you were there to do what you do what you did. You did everything you could.

I wish the best to that little boy and to his family... and to you too.

What a nightmare for all involved. I cannot imagine.

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Specializes in Oncology.

I can't imagine how awful that was. Your story brought tears to my eyes. (((Hugs)))

Kids can be shockingly resilient. Hopefully you'll all be in for a pleasant surprise.

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I'm so sorry. I truly pray when I go to places with a large amount of children, all will be ok. I can't imagine doing CPR on a child. Thankfully, the child went to the hospital with a pulse. You did good!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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You did a great job. It's now out of your hands.

On the one hand, I'm sorry you had to go through that, but on the other, I'm glad you were there for them.

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I'm so sorry.

No matter how horrible this ends, you gave them a moment of not feeling completely helpless and alone during a time of terror.

Wishing you peace.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Please talk this over with others!

It is always difficult pre-hospital when you are the only rescuer.

You did the best you could and just like at work, you do the best you can, but not all situations have the outcome that we want.

Warm water drownings happen very quickly and it truly sounds like there was nothing anything could have done.

I'm so sorry.

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You were so brave, you did so well, you did such a good job. I'm so sorry you had to witness such suffering and tragedy. You did nothing wrong, there was nothing more you could have done, and your clinical brain knows this. You did everything you could have done. ((hug)) Please update us when you can and please, care for yourself in the meantime. Speak to a counselor if you need to.

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Specializes in ED, psych.

(((Hugs))), so many many (((hugs))).

I can't even imagine. You were so brave. Please take care of yourself, ok? Just because it happened outside of work doesn't mean you can't talk to someone, debrief.

Many prayers to the child and the family. I hope all goes well.

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Wow, this story brought tears to my eyes. I thank goodness you were there to help, and I hope you seek help if you need it. Know that the child and their family, along with you and your family are in my thoughts.

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(((NursingInChaos)))

Thank God you were there to offer CPR the correct way. As others have said- take care of yourself after something so traumatic happens. I am praying for the family.

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So sad! You did your best but I know you will get doctor for some time. Take care of yourself. Praying for all involved!

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