Sometimes it’s good to take a break from all the negativity in the news and instead focus on something that can make us all feel better—and set a great example. This latest bit of positivity involves a teenage Chicago EMT who proves that not all heroes wear capes when she recently saved a 5-year-old from a potentially fatal drowning.
19-year-old Kianti Champion, who recently completed emergency medical technician (EMT) training, is a local hero after her quick response time stopped a 5-year-old girl from drowning when she was pulled from Lake Michigan unresponsive.
According to @Blavity, Champion was with her family at Chicago’s Rainbow Beach when she heard screams for help. After a swimmer retrieved the little girl’s body from the water, Champion quickly went to work performing CPR as she waited for the paramedics to arrive.
Explaining how the incident unfolded, Champion said:
“So I’m like, we got to go and help. So I ran over, just dropped everything and ran over, and I started compressions and I kept doing compressions until help came.”
The young girl also revealed where she learned the skills that saved the little girl’s life. Champion credits the Black Fire Brigade, an organization that provides training for Black men and women considering a career in fire and rescue service. Champion also stated that she hopes to be a firefighter/EMT when she is older.
Although the little girl was promptly transported to a nearby hospital, her family has decided against revealing her condition publicly.
While she doesn’t currently know her condition, Champion expressed that the little girl is still in her thoughts:
“That’s all I’ve been thinking about is her. I’ve been hoping. I’ve just been praying. I hope she’s OK.”
Chicago police have officially launched an investigation into the incident.
Roommates, what are your thoughts on this incident?
