Lifesaver: Child’s heroism should be an inspiration
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We think of most elementary school students as relatively carefree … and perhaps not always the most vigilant of beings. But as many an adult has learned, they are watching. In the case of one fourth grader at Anna Jarvis Elementary School in Grafton, W.Va., that watchfulness may have saved a life.
Mark Vincent was with his classmates on a field trip to an aquatics center, enjoying himself, when he looked over to see one of his classmates lying back in the water showing signs of what Mark believed was a seizure. Mark's mother told WBOY her son may have recognized the signs of a seizure because she has experienced them herself. Her son may have learned what to watch for.
"I pulled him next to the [poolside] and an adult lifted him out," Mark told WBOY. "It was just a nerve in my body that wanted to go help him. Like, life flashed before my eyes, and I'm thankful God put me there at that hour."
How many adults would have had such knowledge and urge to act?
Mark went on: "I just want [people] to know, if you have any friends who have seizures sometimes, make sure to help them. If you see anyone drowning or unconscious, save them straight away, because something bad can happen if you don't."
It may seem a grown up matter, but teaching kids the signs of medical episodes such as a seizure, a cardiac event, extreme dizziness (or losing consciousness) -- and then teaching them what to do if they believe someone needs medical help -- is important. Certainly student Rex Crawford is grateful Mark knew, and acted.
In fact, to show his gratitude, Rex bought Mark a toy dinosaur as a "thank you."
It is a gift richly deserved. Well done, young man. May the rest of us be inspired by your heroism.