A scary situation -- two children, ages 1 and 2, were found at the bottom of a swimming pool last week. Often times, these stories end badly, but this one has a happy ending and many believe it's because of the quick actions of an 8-year veteran of the Phoenix Police Department.
The good news is the two children are expected to make a full recovery.
"We had what we thought was a tragic situation," said Officer James Holmes.
It was a chaotic scene last Thursday.
"On that 9-1-1 call, it was quite chaotic and on that 9-1-1 call, someone said two babies.. had drowned at that location," said Officer Holmes.
Phoenix Fire and Police were immediately dispatched to the area of Vernon and 51st Avenue.
"They were yelling and screaming to where the babies were located," said Officer Jude Joseph.
Officer Joseph was the first to arrive on scene. He quickly assessed the situation. A 2-year-old boy and 1-year-old girl were laying on the deck after being pulled from the bottom of the pool. Joseph realized the little girl was in bad shape.
"Felt for her pulse.. no pulse.. so I began CPR," he said.
The officer's quick actions saved the little girl before an ambulance arrived.
"The emotions that come over you, you start to second guess your ability.. whether or not you did your best in order to save their lives," he said.
Officer Joseph credits his training in CPR and urges others to do the same.
"If you have a pool, or engage in pool activities, it's very important to know CPR."
If you'd like more information on CPR classes offered by the United Phoenix Firefighter's Association, call (602) 277-1500.