Quick Actions Save a Young Girl from Drowning
The Board of Fire Commissioners and Los Angeles Fire Department recognized the quick actions of seven LAFD Firefighters and the parents of a two year-old girl during a drowning emergency, giving her a second chance at life.
On August 20, 2018 in Boyle Heights, firefighters arrived on-scene to find Sofia Rojas unresponsive next to an above ground pool with her father performing CPR, instructed by LAFD Firefighter and dispatcher Christian Brown. Firefighter Brown calmly and clearly provided life-saving 9-1-1 instructions to her parents, providing a critical link in the chain of survival. During this time, Engine 25 and Rescue Ambulance 25 quickly arrived and continued CPR, delivered IV pharmacological intervention, and transported Sofia to a nearby emergency room.
The quick actions of Sofia’s family and the firefighters on-scene proved critical in her rapid and full recovery. On February 5, 2019, the following LAFD members were officially recognized for their extraordinary life-saving efforts:
Captain I Adam VanGerpen, Engineer Anthony Almeida, FFIII/ PM Greg Lewis, FFII Jesus Rosete Jr., FFIII/ PM Ivan Covin, FF/ PMII Daniel Sandoval, FFIII/ PM Christian Brown
