Fairhaven Firefighter/paramedic Jesse Lacerda, who is being recognized for springing into action when a child drowned in his neighborhood, poses with his wife Melissa Lacerda. Photo from Jesse Lacerda’s Facebook page.
By Beth David, Editor
Fairhaven Firefighter/paramedic Jesse Lacerda was in his back yard at around 4:15 on Saturday, 8/12/23, when he heard a panicked yell for somone to call 911. He jumped over his fence towards the voice, where he found a young child who had drowned and was receiving CPR.
FF Lacerda offered his assistance and was able to communicate to the department that CPR was in progress and that he was on scene. Soon after, that, the department received the update that the child was now breathing.
Both the child and parent were subsequently transported to St. Luke’s Hospitcal where the child received further evaluation, according to a press release from the Fairhaven Fire Department.
“Our department commends the actions of Firefighter Lacerda, an Army veteran, who not only was adjacent to where the incident was occurring, but took immediate action,” wrote the department in a press release.
Initially, there was some conflicting information on social media posts about who did what during the incident.
The Fairhaven Fire Department noted in a subsequent statement that the family pulled the boy out of the pool and started CPR.
Independent sources tell the Neighb News that the child will be okay thanks to the quick work of family members.
CPR is a simple but vital skill that people can learn and that can save lives. In a situation where someone has stopped breathing, seconds count. The sooner CPR is started, the better the chances of a full recovery.
The Red Cross and many local organizations offer CPR training. Visit RedCross.org or call the New Bedford office at 508-996-8286 to learn more.
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