Toddler Hit By Lightning: Plainfield Firefighter Describes Terror

SHERIDAN, IL — A bright white flash, then a blood-curdling scream. That's what Plainfield firefighter/paramedic Eric Watkins saw and heard as he rushed to the aid of an 18-year-old man and 4-year-old girl who were struck by lightning while waiting for a fireworks display to start Wednesday night in LaSalle County.

Watkins, who was in his vehicle with his family waiting for the storm to let up, and Capt. Darin Peterson of the St. Charles Fire Department were both off duty and looking to enjoy the July 4 celebration in Sheridan when it happened.

Watkins said he and his family were having a bite to eat in their car when he saw it: "It was a white flash and then there were people lying on the ground," he said. Immediately, he said, "I had my (vehicle) door open and I was running to the scene to help."

Peterson reached the 18-year-old first and began CPR. Watkins arrived seconds later and was assisting when he heard a blood-curdling scream. On the other side of the large tree was a little girl, lying by the base of the tree.

Watkins said he told Peterson to go to the girl, who was not breathing, while he continued CPR on the teen.

"The guy took a gasping cough and started breathing on his own," Watkins said. He said he dragged the 18-year-old to a nearby baseball field, away from the tree as the storm that continued, and ran back to help the girl, who was moved to a nearby tent.

What happens when someone is struck by lightning? Watkins said injuries can include burns, as well as lightning exit and entry wounds. He said the 4-year-old, who was attending the fireworks with her parents, did suffer burns in Wednesday's incident. Both victims were in cardiac arrest after the lightning strike, authorities said.

Asked what it was like to witness such a terrifying event — especially one involving a small child — Watkins didn't have time to think about that. "After 12 years as a firefighter, you turn off that part of your brain and get to work," he said.

Sheridan Fire Chief Kurt Tirevold said the girl was in worse condition than the 18-year-old as an ambulance arrived on the scene, but was breathing and had a pulse by the time she arrived at a hospital. The girl was taken to OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa, he said, and the teen was taken to Northwestern Memorial Valley West Hospital in Sandwich.

Tirevold said both the teen and little girl are from the Sheridan area.

The teen, identified as Dawson Fuller, was eventually taken to Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb, where he was recovering this week, according to CBS Chicago. The little girl, identified as Nova Esparza, was doing betterbut expected to remain hospitalized for at least 5 days, according to an aunt, who told CBS the 4-year-old was awake long enough to tell her father, "Love you, daddy."

At a press conference Thursday afternoon in Plainfield, Tirevold said he didn't have an update on the condition of the teen or the toddler. But one thing was for sure, he said: The actions of Watkins, Peterson and the bystanders who rushed to help — including an area ER doctor and his wife — saved their lives.

Tirevold said starting CPR within the first minute after an incident is critical to saving lives. "It was perfect timing and everyone was there at the right time," he said.

Told by a reporter that the victims see them as heroes, Watkins and Peterson immediately shook their heads.

"We're not heroes," Peterson said. "We're everyday people. We're coaches, we're community members ... We do this every day in a blue uniform. That day we weren't in a blue uniform."

The stormy weather also turned dangerous in Chicago, where a woman was struck by lightning after watching the city's fireworks. Officials said the woman was in serious but stable condition.

Watkins said when severe weather hits, it's safest to postpone outdoor activities for at least 30 minutes after hearing thunder. "Stay away from trees," he said, adding if you do find yourself caught outdoors during a storm with lightning, it's best to try to get indoors or to a vehicle. "Don't take chances with Mother Nature," Watkins said.

Watch a video of Thursday's press conference held at the Plainfield Fire Protection District headquarters:

Main photo: Plainfield firefighter/paramedic Eric Watkins speaks at a press conference Thursday in Plainfield, flanked by Sheridan Fire Chief Kurt Tirevold and St. Charles Fire Department Capt. Darin Peterson. Second photo: Tirevold addresses reporters and speaks about the injuries to a 4-year-old and 18-year-old who were struck by lightning.