Off-Duty Paramedics Among Team Credited with Saving Child After Near-Drowning at Farmington Water Park

Farmington, Mo. (KFMO) - The St. Francois County Ambulance District is recognizing two off-duty paramedics and the coordinated efforts of first responders and bystanders following a near-drowning incident at the Farmington Water Park on Monday night.

According to the ambulance district, paramedics Dustin Tate and John Colwell were off duty and attending an event at the water park when the emergency unfolded. Without hesitation, the two stepped in to assist, helping save the life of a child.

In a statement released, the district praised the actions of Tate and Colwell but emphasized they would be the first to say the successful outcome was the result of teamwork among everyone involved.

The district offered special recognition to the Farmington Water Park lifeguards, noting ambulance personnel had the opportunity to train with the lifeguard staff before the start of the summer season.

Officials said they were impressed with the lifeguards' level of skill during that training and were grateful to see those skills put into action during a real-life emergency.

The St. Francois County Ambulance District also thanked the Farmington Police Department, Farmington Fire Department, responding ambulance crews, and ARCH 10, which transported the child to a pediatric specialty hospital for advanced care.

The district concluded by recognizing that the response extended well beyond the agencies involved, saying numerous people at the scene stepped forward to help, some without being asked and others who may never realize how much their actions contributed to the rescue.

Officials say every person who responded, whether professionally or as a bystander, played an important role in the effort to save the child's life.