Drowning Boy Saved Through CPR Efforts Of Family Honored in Bensalem

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —A little boy was drowning in a pool. Yet the quick action by his family members meant that the little boy was appearing before the township council Tuesday night.

The little boy, Dennis, was spending the day with family at a pool on Bristol Road on Aug. 6 when his aunt noticed he was missing from a table where he was sitting, Council President Joseph Knowles told the crowd of 30 attending the council meeting.

The aunt saw Dennis submerged in the pool. His uncle jumped in and then handed the boy to his father. CPR was performed before medical units arrived, Knowles said.

"The child was underwater for two minutes," Knowles said. "Without their swift actions, this might have been very tragic."

The council acknowledged that heroic action, presenting the Police Civilian Lifesaving Award certificates to Veysal Badalov, Zhafar Badalov and Khamida Badalov, who brought Dennis along to the ceremony.

The three were certified in CPR.

"If you're not trained, you don't have the instincts to do what you do," Council President Joseph Knowles said.

"This is an incredible story," Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo said. "We're very grateful that he survived. This is very admirable. You deserve a lot of praise and respect."

Council member Michelle Benitez said everyone should take advantage of CPR training because it might save a life.

Benitez mentioned an organization called CPR Saving Lives out of Trevose that is run by Gayle Benjamin, RN. For more information, call 215-245-6607 or visit their Facebook page.

"I can't wrap my head around that experience," Benitez said. "You can become certified. My family and myself are certified. People should take advantage of it."