Off-Duty Fairhaven Firefighter Saves Drowned Child With CPR

FAIRHAVEN (WBSM) — An off-duty Fairhaven firefighter saved the life of a child who had drowned on Saturday afternoon.

Firefighter and paramedic Jesse Lacerda is being credited with saving the child’s life with his quick action.

According to Fairhaven Fire Chief Todd Correia, an ambulance was dispatched to an address in the north end of town at about 4:15 p.m. on August 12 for a report of a child who had drowned.

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While the ambulance and a fire engine were en route to the scene, the department received a radio transmission from Lacerda, who said he was on the scene and that CPR was in progress.

Shortly after, another transmission came in from Lacerda that the condition of the child had improved, and the child was now breathing.

The child and a parent were transported to St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, where the child received further evaluation.

“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 in taking over CPR for a family member,” Correia said.