Boy, Mother Save Sister After Near-Drowning

A 14-year-old Eldersburg boy rescued his toddler sister from a backyard swimming pool, Friday June 22; then called 911 while his mother performed successful CPR on the child.

20-month-old Sarah Lorentson had fallen into the family pool, unbeknownst to family members. Her brother, Jacob, discovered her lifeless body in the pool and leaped in to pull her to safety.

While Jacob ran to call 911, Stacy Lorentson began CPR on her daughter. Jacob calmly reported the situation to the 911 call-taker at the Carroll County Communications Center; and was able to relay emergency medical instructions to his mother from the call-taker.

Stacy was able to get her daughter to breathe on her own and regain consciousness. Sarah began to vomit poolwater, and Jacob was able to relay instructions to his mother from the 911 operator on how to handle that.

Sykesville Paramedic Eddie Godwin and EMT-B Casie Carpini arrived on the scene to find Sarah awake, but lethargic. After a consult with doctors at Johns Hopkins Pediatric Center, the child was flown by MSP Helicopter to that facility. Sarah remained in the hospital overnight as a precaution, and was released the next morning, in perfectly healthy condition.

The Sykesville-Freedom District Fire Department would like to recognize the heroic actions of Jacob Lorentson and his mother Stacy in saving the life of little Sarah. Their coolness in a crisis situation helped Sarah realize a successful outcome. Jacob and Stacy serve as a great example to others.

The Sykesville Fire Department encourages all parents to be certified in CPR and other basic first aid techniques. Parents should also teach their children basic first aid safety, and proper 911 procedures.