Texsox Posted June 10, 2004 Share Posted June 10, 2004 6 Year on life support after saving the live of 5 year old. What a brave young man. May God keep this special kid in his hands and nurse him through this. CHICAGO RIDGE, Illinois (AP) -- Six-year-old Donnie Hauser-Richerme knew he couldn't swim, but he also knew the little girl in the murky, debris-filled swimming pool was in trouble. Donnie jumped in and helped save 5-year-old Karah Moran's life before becoming stuck in five feet of blackened rain water and muck at the bottom of the deep end. Paramedics eventually rescued him, but he was in critical condition and on life support Thursday. Karah called Donnie "my hero." "I can't say enough about this little guy," said Chicago Ridge Police Chief Tim Baldermann. "It's amazing that this little kid, old enough to understand it's a dangerous situation, was so brave. Without thinking about himself he instinctively jumped in to help his friend." The rescue happened Monday as Karah, Donnie, and his 4-year-old brother explored the apartment complex where their families live. Karah, who was visiting her grandmother at the complex, knew the location of an empty swimming pool on the grounds. "She wanted to show the pool," said Karah's aunt, Bernadette Choate. "She didn't expect the gate to be unlocked." A maintenance worker had been sent out to the pool that day to do some work, Baldermann said. Faced with a locked gate and no key, the worker cut the lock to get in. He wrapped a chain around the gate and left, but the children were able to remove the chain and get inside. Karah either climbed or fell into the pool's shallow end, where there wasn't any water. But the bottom was slick with dead leaves and algae, causing her to slide down into the muck-covered deep end. Donnie jumped into the shallow end and reached toward his friend to try to pull her to safety. But Karah weighs about 10 pounds more than Donnie, and between the weight and the slick surface, the boy slipped and both ended up in the water. Karah's mother, Melany Moran, said her daughter told her that as the two were struggling in the water, Donnie helped her reach the ladder. As somebody called 911, adults hurried to the pool area, but the water was so filthy, so filled with debris, that they couldn't see Donnie. Another maintenance man, Andre Mitchell, said he poked the water with a long aluminum pole used to clean pools but turned up nothing. By the time the paramedics found Donnie, he had been under water anywhere from five to 20 minutes, Baldermann said. He said prosecutors decided not to file charges against the owner of the complex after learning the maintenance man had cut the lock. Melany Moran said she is worried about her daughter and plans on getting her into counseling "when this all dies down." "Last night she had a nightmare," she said. "She was screaming, 'Help me, help me." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gene Honda Civic Posted June 10, 2004 Share Posted June 10, 2004 On a somewhat related note, Why do people take thier shoes off before going into the water to rescue someone. I say this becuase the women who was first to arrive on scene, took off her shoes before getting into the water to help. Was she thinking, "He looks like he's doing fine there. a few seconds in this life or death situation aren't going to matter. Plus, these are damn nice kicks, and have you seen what water can do to suede." Also when a person commits suicide by jumping off a bridge, they almost always take off thier shoes first. WhY? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texsox Posted June 10, 2004 Author Share Posted June 10, 2004 On a somewhat related note, Why do people take thier shoes off before going into the water to rescue someone. I say this becuase the women who was first to arrive on scene, took off her shoes before getting into the water to help. Was she thinking, "He looks like he's doing fine there. a few seconds in this life or death situation aren't going to matter. Plus, these are damn nice kicks, and have you seen what water can do to suede." Also when a person commits suicide by jumping off a bridge, they almost always take off thier shoes first. WhY? Cheat, interesting that you asked. I was just teaching Water Safety to my new Boy Scouts last night and reviewing water rescue technics and protocols. Most people start with what should be the last resort. Option 1. Reach. Lay on your belly and reach with an arm, leg, stick, chair, whatever. Option 2. Throw Toss something that floats. If you have a rope, toss it past them and scoop them in. Option 3. Row If a boat, raft, canoe, etc. is available go out there and try to reach with object, thrown, etc. Option 4. Go with equipment Grab a rope, oar, anything handy so that the person panicking in the water doesn't grab you. Option 5. Go all by yourself. If you are wearing any clothes that may limit your ability to swim and tred water (heavy boots, high heels, parka, etc. take the time and remove them or you'll get in trouble and not help the person. And, always look for your personal safety. Don't over estimate your abilities and cause two rescues or worse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoxAce Posted June 10, 2004 Share Posted June 10, 2004 Man that kid is really special. I hope he pulls through from the life support. Very nice to risk your life to save anothers.. Brave kid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gene Honda Civic Posted June 10, 2004 Share Posted June 10, 2004 Cheat, interesting that you asked. I was just teaching Water Safety to my new Boy Scouts last night and reviewing water rescue technics and protocols. Most people start with what should be the last resort. I guess I didn't learn anything in scouts. I quit service hours short of Life.(too many other obligations at that time) I've helped save two different people, and have been rescued once myself. Once was as a life guard and involved a head injury, I wasn't thinking about taking off what little clothing I was wearing. The other was while at a waterpark, and I didn't have to worry about my clothing. The one time I was rescued, I had fallen through the ice, and the only way to get me was by branches, considering I only weighed about 60 pounds at the time, If I fell through the ice, everyone else would as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flash Tizzle Posted June 10, 2004 Share Posted June 10, 2004 Suprisingly, I live two towns over from Chicago Ridge and NEVER heard of this incident until now. Poor kid. If he ever recovers from this he'll likely suffer (if he hasnt' already) iirreparable brain damage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texsox Posted June 10, 2004 Author Share Posted June 10, 2004 I guess I didn't learn anything in scouts. I quit service hours short of Life.(too many other obligations at that time) I've helped save two different people, and have been rescued once myself. Once was as a life guard and involved a head injury, I wasn't thinking about taking off what little clothing I was wearing. The other was while at a waterpark, and I didn't have to worry about my clothing. The one time I was rescued, I had fallen through the ice, and the only way to get me was by branches, considering I only weighed about 60 pounds at the time, If I fell through the ice, everyone else would as well. Most of the time, people are doing what you described, removing a t-shirt or something stupid. I think they remove shoes because they see it in movies. The brave leading man, takes off his shoes, removes his shirt, and makes a perfect dive into the water. I try and get all my Scouts at least once a year to review and help teach the new Scouts. Being it is also a nice pool party on a very hot night, it helps. I went through the ice on Bangs Lake in Wauconda when I went brain dead for a few minutes. All my outdoor experience and I basically out thought myself into a potentially serious situation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goldmember Posted June 10, 2004 Share Posted June 10, 2004 hope he turns out all right... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoxAce Posted June 10, 2004 Share Posted June 10, 2004 If he ever recovers from this he'll likely suffer (if he hasnt' already) iirreparable brain damage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flash Tizzle Posted June 11, 2004 Share Posted June 11, 2004 I try and get all my Scouts at least once a year to review and help teach the new Scouts. Being it is also a nice pool party on a very hot night, it helps. I went through the ice on Bangs Lake in Wauconda when I went brain dead for a few minutes. All my outdoor experience and I basically out thought myself into a potentially serious situation. If any of your scouts participate in Lifesaving classes, one of the requirements is for the individual to jump into the water with full apparel on; which includes pants, shirts, shoes. Purpose of the activity was to create a floatation device in the event you're ever in a situation where a lifevest isn't readily available. I remember an instructor told me never to take off clothing: first, because the clothing can provide your body with warmth, and secondly (as I pointed out) your shirt could be used as a lifevest. Several hours from Chicago there is a scout reservation called Owasippe, which is near Grand Rapids, Michigan. For many years our troop drove down for two weeks to entake in activities/merit badge clinics. As I inched closer to Eagle I began to lose interest in the camp, though I admit it was good times. If there is some sort of camp near Texas I would recommend accompanying your kids for a week (or two.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texsox Posted June 11, 2004 Author Share Posted June 11, 2004 If any of your scouts participate in Lifesaving classes, one of the requirements is for the individual to jump into the water with full apparel on; which includes pants, shirts, shoes. Purpose of the activity was to create a floatation device in the event you're ever in a situation where a lifevest isn't readily available. I remember an instructor told me never to take off clothing: first, because the clothing can provide your body with warmth, and secondly (as I pointed out) your shirt could be used as a lifevest. Several hours from Chicago there is a scout reservation called Owasippe, which is near Grand Rapids, Michigan. For many years our troop drove down for two weeks to entake in activities/merit badge clinics. As I inched closer to Eagle I began to lose interest in the camp, though I admit it was good times. If there is some sort of camp near Texas I would recommend accompanying your kids for a week (or two.) The jump in with your clothing was a requirement for 1st Class but they recently moved it to the Swimming Merit Badge. I thought it was a great life skill in case you ever accidentaly fell in. The last couple of years we have attended Buffalo Trails Scout Ranch in the Davis Mountains of West Texas (about a 600 mile drive for us). We have about 20 to 25 Scout camps in Texas. My COuncil owns Camp Perry the oldest continousilty operated Scout camp in Texas 77 Years Young. Owasippe is in danger of being sold and a private developer taking over. The Professionals in the Chicago Area Council, which surprisenly own the property, were trying to sell it and the volunteers were trying to raise $$Millions to save it. It is a key place in OA history, I hope it can be saved. The clothes reference I made was to a winter type parks, which, when wet, would not be helpful. Shirts, pants, etc. are very helpful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redandwhite Posted June 11, 2004 Share Posted June 11, 2004 What an awesome story it would be if this kid lives.. come on man, pull through.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlaSoxxJim Posted June 11, 2004 Share Posted June 11, 2004 Really tragic - I can't even comprehend it. And sadly, unless it is ice-cold water and the thermal shock triggers a bradycardic (slowed metabolism) response, there is practically no chance of coming out without severe brain damage after more than 5 minutes. That said, WHAT THE f***!! The mother of the girl that the poor kid saved is mostly worried about 'getting her into counseling when this all dies down'??!! When exactly is it going to "die down" for the kid or the family of the kid that is the sole reason your daughter is alive?? Not that the boy's parents are much better (though no parent should have to go through this). Why does a 6, 5, and 4-year old have free reign in that apartment complex anyway? It's bulls*** latchkey non-parenting, and a 6 year old (who is very much a hero) is going to be brain-damaged, brain-dead, or worse because of it. My thoughts are with this boy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xero Posted June 11, 2004 Share Posted June 11, 2004 Poor little guy...hope he pulls through... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rex Kickass Posted June 11, 2004 Share Posted June 11, 2004 The jump in with your clothing was a requirement for 1st Class but they recently moved it to the Swimming Merit Badge. I thought it was a great life skill in case you ever accidentaly fell in. The last couple of years we have attended Buffalo Trails Scout Ranch in the Davis Mountains of West Texas (about a 600 mile drive for us). We have about 20 to 25 Scout camps in Texas. My COuncil owns Camp Perry the oldest continousilty operated Scout camp in Texas 77 Years Young. Owasippe is in danger of being sold and a private developer taking over. The Professionals in the Chicago Area Council, which surprisenly own the property, were trying to sell it and the volunteers were trying to raise $$Millions to save it. It is a key place in OA history, I hope it can be saved. The clothes reference I made was to a winter type parks, which, when wet, would not be helpful. Shirts, pants, etc. are very helpful. That would suck if Owasippe gets sold. I've never been there but I remember wanting to go there as a kid. The scout camp near Michigan City, To Pe Ne Bee almost got sold about 10 years ago. It was a summer camp that closed in 1973 when two councils merged.... I about grew up there - I remember doing a lot of work to keep up the camp when the council stopped funding upkeep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texsox Posted June 11, 2004 Author Share Posted June 11, 2004 That would suck if Owasippe gets sold. I've never been there but I remember wanting to go there as a kid. The scout camp near Michigan City, To Pe Ne Bee almost got sold about 10 years ago. It was a summer camp that closed in 1973 when two councils merged.... I about grew up there - I remember doing a lot of work to keep up the camp when the council stopped funding upkeep. One of the central issues over Owasippe is usage. Being so far from the Council, not many Troops used it. Most Council properties are within the boundaries of the Council. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soxfest Posted June 11, 2004 Share Posted June 11, 2004 I am really pulling for this young man . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoxAce Posted June 11, 2004 Share Posted June 11, 2004 I am really pulling for this young man . He's not even a young man yet.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YASNY Posted June 11, 2004 Share Posted June 11, 2004 I grew up in Chicago Ridge. I was really saddened when I first heard about this incident. A series of mistakes made by adults and this little guy suffers because of it, along with his parents and siblings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Queen Prawn Posted June 11, 2004 Share Posted June 11, 2004 Not that the boy's parents are much better (though no parent should have to go through this). Why does a 6, 5, and 4-year old have free reign in that apartment complex anyway? It's bulls*** latchkey non-parenting, and a 6 year old (who is very much a hero) is going to be brain-damaged, brain-dead, or worse because of it. My thoughts are with this boy. I live just a few miles from there. I have the same question - why on God's green earth are a 6, 5 and a 4 year old alone?! A 6 year old is NOT old enough to watch himself much less 2 younger children. I pray he fully recovers...but from what's been posted and reported, the chances are slim... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Queen Prawn Posted June 16, 2004 Share Posted June 16, 2004 I don't know if this has been posted, but the little guy died. Hero lost his fight... I still can't believe the parents let these kids play by themselves... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IlliniKrush Posted June 16, 2004 Share Posted June 16, 2004 This just isn't right... Thoughts and prayers go out to him and the families involved May you find happiness in Heaven little hero Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goldmember Posted June 16, 2004 Share Posted June 16, 2004 rip lil' guy... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soxman352000 Posted June 16, 2004 Share Posted June 16, 2004 Damn, that not fair, he should have been spared, he save a life Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Beast Posted June 16, 2004 Share Posted June 16, 2004 Unfortunatly, I heard last night that the kid passed away. God Bless, him, young man... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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