Sierra Vista Bystanders Use CPR To Revive Drowning Child

Kisha Hernandez (left) and Cierra Walker (right) receive certificates of recognition from Sierra Vista Fire & Medical Services and the Sierra Vista Police Department at Fire Station 2 on Friday, March 31. They are joined by the crew members who responded to the scene of the near-drowning incident where Hernandez and Walker provided CPR. The crew members are (from left) Captain Don Foster, Firefighters Nick Fields, Bill Porter, and Brandon Mazzola.

Last week, Sierra Vista Fire & Medical Services and the Sierra Vista Police Department recognized two local women for performing potentially life-saving CPR on a 2-year-old boy who nearly drowned at a local apartment complex pool recently.

“We didn’t know what we were doing, but we did it,” Cierra Walker said, during a brief recognition ceremony at Fire Station 2 on Friday. “He’s a baby, you don’t give up on a child.”

Walker joined her longtime friend Kisha Hernandez in providing CPR until first responders were able to get on scene. Hernandez was the first to respond and had taken CPR courses in the past, so she coached Walker when she joined in. The child went on to make a full recovery thanks in large part to the efforts of these brave bystanders.

“What you did saved a life,” Sierra Vista Fire & Medical Services Chief Ron York told them. Getting CPR started in those first couple minutes greatly increases a victim’s chances of recovery.

“I never thought I’d use it,” Hernandez said.

York was joined by Sierra Vista Police Chief Adam Thrasher as they presented joint certificates recognizing Walker and Hernandez. They also gave the women department coins reserved for people who do something truly extraordinary.

“I’m just glad he’s OK … He opened his eyes and we cried,” Walker said. “It’s a beautiful feeling to know that he’s still here.”

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