Family that saved toddler wants parents to know importance of CPR

BENBROOK, Texas - A North Texas family is on a mission to let parents know the importance of CPR after they had to save their own toddler after he was found face down in a pool.

The Whites were rightfully emotional as they retold the story of how their 2-year-old nearly drowned. The Benbrook couple says their CPR training kicked in right away and helped save their little boy.

Daniel and Laura White consider themselves helicopter parents. They never expected to let their child out of their sight long enough for him to wander his way into trouble. But that is what happened in an instant.

"Something told me to look out the window,” Laura recalled. “And as I looked out the window, that's when I saw him floating face down in our friend's pool."

The family was at a lake house in Azle with friends on July 1 when 2-year-old Owen snuck out of the house while everyone was inside getting ready to go on the boat. Laura, a physician assistant, instinctively started CPR, thinking the worst.

"That I had lost a child,” she said. “And I knew if I tried harder and harder, maybe I could help him and stimulate him some."

Daniel, who is a firefighter paramedic himself, found Laura doing chest compressions aggressively.

"I was out in front of the house with the other dads,” he recalled. “And a very panicked mom came running out."

Daniel noticed Owen was bloated and blue.

"I've seen that in adults and children more times than I can count,” he said. “My first impression was beyond dire."

Daniel took over and felt a pulse. Amazingly, they got him breathing right as Azle Police and Fire arrived.

"I remember telling her that she saved his life,” Daniel said. “She stepped up and she saved his life, no doubt about it."

The Whites also shared their joy with the Azle first responders who came to the rescue.

Owen’s parents are the ones forever changed by the incident. They're sharing this story to encourage everyone, especially parents, to learn CPR.

"We found out that we're vulnerable, and the next five minutes are not guaranteed for any of us,” Daniel said. “We were fortunate that day. A lot of things were in our favor. Most of all, her stepping up and jumping right into action — very proud."

The amount of pressure you use when doing chest compressions changes whether it is an infant, child or adult.

For CPR on a child, you begin with chest compressions and then open the airway, give two rescue breaths and do 30 chest compressions followed by two more breaths and continue.

When someone is not breathing, you should always call 911 first then start CPR, or do as this family did and have a friend call 911.

For information on how to sign up for CPR courses, click here.