INBOX: Sophie Is Alive Because I Knew CPR

by Devorah Levitin

Never did I think I would live through a moment so impactful to not only myself but so many around me.

June 25, 2017 is a date that will forever be engraved in my heart as well as my mind. It was Rosh Chodesh Taamuz. It was supposed to be our last night of our stay, before starting our return road trip back home. But instead of tucking my precious four daughters into bed, I was rushing to the hospital with my Sophie, lifeless in the back of the ambulance.

While having dinner outside, I suddenly noticed that Sophie (age 4) was not next to any of us. Before I knew it, I found her lifeless small body in the pond (after she was submerged for approximately 6 minutes.) My natural instinct kicked in, and I was immediately able to start CPR. I had been trained and certified in CPR starting from the age of 13. It was a fight or flight moment that I can not truly explain. When the paramedics arrived (approximately 7 minutes later) they continued CPR and transported her to the hospital.

On the 6th day in the hospital (which was also Shabbat), our little Sophie woke up. And after only 8 days of being in the hospital (with multiple medical complications) she was discharged to go home, with a clean bill of health! This discharge was and still stumps the doctors and is explained as a medical mystery.
Of course we know what it was! We know that Hashem had other plans and wants us to continue on this journey to spread the awareness of CPR. The only medical explanation the doctors have is that G-d was watching us and that having been trained in CPR and being able to perform it correctly, has allowed us to have our Sophie in our lives today.

Please help the next family, and be sure to learn CPR today. Unfortunately, drowning is the number one cause of death for children under 5 years of age.