DAYS ago, toddler Patrick Manassa was found face down at the bottom of his backyard pool.
Yesterday, the feisty three-year-old was running and playing with his family after a “miracle” recovery.
Patrick was unconscious when he was pulled from the water by his mother – and that’s when big brother Anthony stepped in, using CPR skills he learned at school.
Anthony, 17, said Patrick had stopped breathing and his lips were blue when he was pulled from the fenced pool at the family’s Galston home on Monday.
Toddler fights for life after near drowning
It is believed he had been in the water for about five minutes.
While friends and family rang triple-0, Anthony kept a cool head – placing Patrick in the recovery position, checking his mouth and starting mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Anthony learned first aid only six months ago in his school sports class and is the only one in the family who knows CPR.
“His lips were blue and he wasn’t breathing but when I started the compressions and breathing, he slowly took his first breath and then he became more responsive,” Anthony said.
“I’m glad that he’s all better now.”
Anthony worked on his brother until paramedics and CareFlight crews arrived, who flew Patrick to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead in a critical condition.
He was placed into an induced coma, waking about 3pm on Tuesday. Yesterday he was playing with his siblings and family in the hospital courtyard.
His father James described his youngest son’s recovery as a miracle.
“Patrick has made a full recovery. It is definitely a miracle. He woke up from the induced coma and smiled at his mum,” Mr Manassa said.
“He’s walking, talking, running around and eating. We’re so thankful and really relieved.”
Mr Manassa expressed his thanks to the CareFlight team, hospital staff and all those who prayed for Patrick.
“I would like to thank all who prayed for Patrick and our family. Most importantly I would like to thank our Lord Jesus Christ. It really is a miracle,” Mr Manassa said.
The hospital’s head of trauma, Professor Danny Cass, said Patrick was very lucky, with the early CPR and quick response from CareFlight helping save his life.
Patrick is expected to be released from hospital today or tomorrow.
