By Dee Longfellow
For The Elmhurst Independent
The City of Elmhurst and the Elmhurst Fire Department took time at the City Council meeting held on Monday, April 18, to recognize a young man who went above and beyond the call when he was involved in the rescue of his 3-year-old sister who was drowning.
Sam Braafhart, who is just 11 years old, initiated CPR until medical help arrived.
At the meeting, Mayor Steve Morley and Fire Chief Bill Anaszewicz spoke about the brave actions that were taken by Sam and his nanny when they recognized that his 3-year-old sister Hailey had fallen into the pool at the Atrium Apartments. Sam quickly initiated what the experts are calling “textbook CPR,” while the nanny activated the 9-1-1 system, which brought assistance from police and fire units in less than two minutes.
Reports said the paramedics were able to suction the young girl’s airway and support respiration.
The American Heart Association’s Chain of Survival states that early and effective CPR linked with early notification of the EMS system are linked to the survival of cardiac arrest victims. The heroic actions of 11-year-old Sam Braffhart led to the positive outcome for his little sister, earning him the “Best Big Brother for Life” award.
Ed. note: A feature story about Sam and his sister will be published in a future issue of the Elmhurst Independent.
