ROCKVILLE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — A nurse, named Ashley Pecchenino was at a beach at Raccoon Lake. While there, she administered life-saving aid to a 10-year-old girl after she was unresponsive in the water, officials said Tuesday.
According to Indiana Conservation Officer Max Winchell, officers were in the area of Raccoon Lake for river rescue training when they received word of a 10-year-old girl who was in trouble at a beach nearby. Winchell stated that the girl had been at the beach with her grandfather, who had thought she was playing underwater.
Winchell said that after the grandfather hadn’t seen her resurface after 2-3 minutes, he went in after her and brought her back to the beach. Officials said she was unresponsive, blue, was not breathing, and did not have a pulse. Winchell added that Pecchenino of Iroquois County, IL who was also at the beach, began administering aid to the young girl. With the nurse’s efforts, the girl regained consciousness.
Her quick response may have saved the girl’s life, Winchell said.
Conservation officers responded to the area along with Parke County EMS and Bellmore Fire Department. They gave her oxygen and checked on her condition. The young girl was alert and answered questions, officials said. A lifeline was called in for her, and she was airlifted to Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis.
She was last reported to be still responsive.
Officer Winchell added that near-drowning accidents are serious incidents, and victims should seek medical attention even if they are feeling OK. Late drownings can occur if the victim sleeps and still has water in their lungs.
