3-yr-old was near death in a sinking car after crash—first responders' quick thinking saved her from the brink
When it comes to the life-saving rescue of infants and little children, there is all the more need to act quickly and cautiously. Being fragile compared to adults, their capacities cannot withstand much pressure or danger for long. In the case of a 3-year-old, first responders had the terrifying responsibility of coming to her rescue within moments before it was too late. In a story reported by 11 Alive, the little girl was trapped inside a car that went into Dundee Lake in Spalding County. While the driver managed to escape, the little girl was still inside, submerged. Thanks to the efforts of the first responders, she was rescued.
In another report, it was revealed that the driver, 23-year-old Nafeeza Samad, was driving under the influence of alcohol along with the 3-year-old. She began speeding and entered the Dundee Lake parking lot. The woman continued to drive at a speed, hitting boulders and eventually landing in the lake. Once the car fell into the lake, the woman quickly got out, leaving the child inside. The car began to submerge and each second added to the tension of the situation. The emergency responders arrived on the scene and quickly began to assist. Spalding County Fire Chief Mike Byrd noted that when the officers arrived, they saw bubbles coming from the water, per WSB-TV.
Fire Lieutenant Johnathan Fetters and Deputy Nathan Gray immediately worked on getting the child out. Fetters dove into the water and quickly began to locate the child while Gray held on to him, ensuring the rescue was smoother and quicker. “He had a window punch with him. He popped out a window on the passenger side of the car and was able to get the child out,” Byrd mentioned. They quickly brought the girl to the shore but were unable to find a pulse. Deputy Samuel Holder and Deputy Zachary Whitmer began CPR on the 3-year-old. Deputy Jennifer Fuller was also reportedly assisting at the time.
They persisted in administering CPR until they found a pulse and then immediately had the 3-year-old airlifted to the hospital. It is estimated that the little girl was in the water for around six minutes before help could arrive. Though the child was reported alive, there were no updates provided on her condition. The first responders are to be commended for their astute action and immediate follow-up in administering CPR, which greatly improved the chances of recovery for the little girl. The outlet’s reporter, Kaitlyn Ross, posted a note of thanks for the first responders’ actions.
“She was gone… and they brought her back. Their courage and bravery absolutely saved her,” she wrote in the caption. She added, “Thanks to the bravery, skill, and heart of these rescuers, this little girl has a fighting chance to grow up. Thank you to these true heroes for showing us what courage looks like in the face of crisis.” The motorist was arrested. She was charged with DUI, serious injury by vehicle, endangering a child under 14 while DUI, reckless driving and child safety seat violations.