A 12-year-old is saved from a near-drowning experience.

Wayne County EMS and the Elroy Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to the possible drowning Sunday.  911 telecommunicators were able to provide CPR instructions to the 911 caller while the crews were still en route.  According to the parents, Faye and Paul Whitaker, the father performed the CPR on their son D’Angelo  until the crews arrived.

Once the emergency crews arrived, they found the 12-year-old in cardiac arrest.  EMS successfully resuscitated D’Angelo and then transported him to the hospital.

The Whitakers say D’Angelo is still in the hospital but is responsive and doing well.  Faye Whitaker tells GoldsboroDailyNews.com it is a “miracle.”

In a statement, Wayne County officials say:

“Last week was EMS week and we can’t think of a better way to end the week than with a great success story like this. Quick work from Wayne County EMS, as well as newly implemented EMD at the Wayne County 911 Center, led to a great outcome for this call. We often hear how CPR is important, but getting CPR started quickly while help is on the way can drastically improve outcomes in cardiac arrest calls. Also, a big thank you to Elroy Volunteer Fire Department for their response as well.”