(Parke County, IN) - A nurse and Indiana Conservation Officers were in the right place at the right time to rescue a young drowning victim.

 

This happened Tuesday afternoon at Raccoon State Recreation Area in Parke County, west of Indianapolis.

 

According to reports from the Department of Natural Resources, a man’s 10-year-old granddaughter went under the water at a swimming beach and did not come up. When he dragged her from the water after a few minutes, the girl was blue, not breathing, and did not have a pulse.

 

Luckily, Conservation Officers were nearby, conducting river rescue training. When they arrived on scene, they found Ashley Pecchenino, a registered nurse from Illinois, administering CPR.

 

After two minutes of diligent effort, the girl regained a pulse, began breathing on her own, and became responsive. She was flown by Lifeline helicopter to Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis in stable condition.

 

First reposnders remind the public that near-drowning incidents should always be taken seriously even if the person is alert and conscious after the incident. Individuals who experience near drownings should be assessed by healthcare professionals due to possible residual effects from water in the lungs.