IRVINE : Boy Saves Mother After Pool Accident
A woman was in good condition at a local hospital Friday after her 9-year-old son saved her from drowning in the family’s back-yard pool.
Paramedics responding to a call for help Thursday at 7 Wickland found Eric Chang keeping his mother, Jensen Chang, 36, afloat at the pool’s steps.
Police said Jensen Chang was swimming in the pool when she apparently panicked and began struggling in the six-foot-deep water.
Her son jumped in the pool, pulling his mother to the steps 30 feet away and keeping her head above water. As he began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, a skill he recently learned in school, the boy shouted to his 5-year-old sister, Elaine, to call 911.
The children “basically saved her life,” said Sgt. Dave Freedland. “The kid was obviously very concerned but not panicked. He kept his wits and made decisive action. He’s very sharp.”
Paramedics forced water from Chang’s lungs and then took her to the Irvine Medical Center. The family had moved into the Northwood neighborhood only within the last month, Freedland said.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
