First Responders Honored For Saving Drowning Child In Cheltenham Twp.

CHELTENHAM TOWNSHIP, PA —They saved a 21-month-old resident from drowning, performing resuscitation efforts after getting a report about an incident at a pool in late May.

"This was amazing teamwork done by all and ended with a young life being saved," the Cheltenham Township Police Department said in a Facebook post. "These First Responders didn’t hesitate and all their training and compassion kicked in. We are proud to work alongside some of the finest First Responders in our area."

At the Sept. 18 Board of Commissioners meeting, township officials recognized the following first responders for their actions related to saving the life of a 21-month-old drowning victim:

Life-Saving Awards

• Cheltenham EMS: Layne Shore, Cliff Mungavin
• Second Alarmers Rescue Squad: Jeff Tarman, Russ Bogoly
• CTPD: Lee Thompson

Cheltenham Police Department Unit Citation

• Max Bernstein
• Brett Thomas
• Christian Dobush
• Brian Walsh
• Zachery Koerper

Here is an excerpt from the Life Saving Awards:

"On May 26, at 7:47 p.m., while on duty at Cheltenham Township EMS, you responded to a call for a drowning in the Wyncote section of Cheltenham Township. Upon arrival at the location, you found a child in cardiac arrest. PD reported the child was discovered in the pool with an unknown downtime. Family performed CPR until PD arrived. EMS and PD worked collectively to perform lifesaving interventions. The resuscitation efforts were successful, and the child is now back home with family. This was an extremely stressful call, yet it was handled as a team in an expeditious and professional manner. This is the epitome of why we do what we do."

Excerpt from the Unit Citation:

"Upon arrival, Officer Lee Thompson immediately assessed the child, who was barely clinging to life , and took swift action to clear the airway and restore breathing. His decisive intervention in moving the child to a more suitable location for continued lifesaving efforts was crucial. Officer Brett Thomas, leveraging his EMT training, provided essential support to EMS personnel, ensuring that the child received the highest level of care possible.

Officers Dobush and Bernstein assisted EMS by retrieving necessary medical supplies, while Officers Walsh, Bernstein, and Thompson expertly coordinated a transport plan, facilitating a rapid and secure transport of the patient to Abington Memorial Hospital. Officer Koerper conducted thorough field interviews to gather vital information, further contributing to the successful outcome."

"On behalf of all township staff and the Board of Commissioners, we commend and thank these first responders for their dedication to duty, their swift actions, and their commitment to the well-being and safety of all in Cheltenham Township," officials said.

(Cheltenham Township)