TAMPA, Fla., — AdventHealth Tampa is taking the next step in its annual swim safety initiative by extending education beyond the hospital walls. This year, the hospital’s pediatric emergency department is collaborating directly with local EMS crews to help save lives even before children arrive in the ER.
Led by Dr. Sara Kirby, medical director of the Pediatric Emergency Department at AdventHealth Tampa, the initiative includes the launch of new training videos for EMS personnel, highlighting the critical first moments when responding to pediatric drownings.
This swim safety initiative began in 2023 with neon-colored swim safety lanyards and is now taking the next big step to ensure lifesaving education reaches parents and first responders.
Chief Barbara Tripp of Tampa Fire Rescue, along with TFR EMS crews, joined Dr. Sara Kirby and Dr. Alex Waldman as the AdventHealth Tampa ER team simulated how to respond to a pediatric drowning call. They covered critical steps first responders can take, including rescue breathing and scene assessment.
"It's the whole community's responsibility when it comes to prevention and safety," Chief Tripp said following the training in an interview with WFLA.
Drowning remains the leading cause of injury-related death among children ages 1 to 4.