Friendship firefighters save drowning 3-year-old

Happened earlier this month

(FRIENDSHIP, Ind.) – A quick response by Friendship firefighters helped save the life of a young child earlier this month. 

The fire department was called to a home for a report of a child that had been found drowned on October 7.

Volunteer firefighters responded within four minutes to the house and located the 3-year-old boy.

Crews took immediate lifesaving actions as Ripley County Medic and Ripley County EMS arrived moments later.

The child was transported to Friendship Fire Department before being flown to a Cincinnati hospital.

“We were reluctant to make anything public right away until we knew the outcome for the child,” said Friendship Chief Keith Sieverding. 

The child spent several days in the hospital and it is now being reported that the child has made a full recovery. 

Chief Sieverding says it took all the responders that day to make this response a success.

"This is the type of call, when you are dispatched, no one wants to hear and it takes your breath away. As we say, the crew did their job and the rest is in God's hands. In this case, we have a fantastic outcome. Thanks to Ripley County Communications, Ripley County Sherriff's Department, Ripley County EMS, Air Methods Bedord Kentucky 11 and the team at the hospital for making this miracle happen," Sieverding said.

The family of the child is expected to recognize and thank the first responders in the near future.