A 17-month-old baby’s life hung in the balance after a tragic pool accident, but her quick-thinking older brother, Oluhle, emerged as her guardian angel, performing CPR on the unconscious toddler, drastically improving her low oxygen levels.
Greytown, South Africa (07 November 2024) – Not all heroes wear capes. For 17-month-old baby Princess Mthembu, it is her big brother Oluhle.
A heart-wrenching incident turned into a tale of extraordinary courage and love, thanks to the quick thinking and selfless actions of the young boy.
The little girl had tragically fallen into the swimming pool on Monday morning, 28 October, leaving their shock-stricken mother, Nonto Mthembu, in tears.
When Nonto discovered her baby unconscious, panic set in. She called out to her eldest son Oluhle, who was at home on half term. Relying on his instinct and love for his sister and despite never having received formal CPR training, Oluhle instinctively knew what to do.
He performed CPR, though he had never done it before, tirelessly working to clear Princess’s airways and restore her breathing.
“I had to perform CPR for the first time in my life! I did mouth-to-mouth to get rid of the water. I did it again and again until nothing was coming out. Then I lifted her, and she started opening her eyes a little bit while still struggling to breathe,” Oluhle shared.
According to a post by Wembley College, where Oluhle is a pupil, Nonto then rushed Princess to the doctor, where they put her on oxygen. Her oxygen levels were below 50%.
The ambulance took Princess to Mediclinic Hospital in Pietermaritzburg. When Princess arrived at the hospital her oxygen level had increased significantly from 27% to 98%. The paediatrician arrived and said it was a miracle that Princess had survived.
In most cases, when this happens, the baby either dies or ends up with brain damage due to the brain lacking oxygen, and the toxic pool chemicals can harm the lungs. The paediatrician said that if Oluhle had not arrived when he did, Princess would not have survived.
The paediatrician asked Oluhle where he had learnt to perform CPR, but Oluhle told her that he didn’t know where he learnt CPR and that he doesn’t study biology.
Following this remarkable act of courage and quick action, Wembley honoured Oluhle with a Hero’s Award for Bravery.
“Oluhle is brave and courageous. His fast thinking and presence of mind saved his sister Princess’s life. We could not be prouder of this outstandingly brave behaviour,” the school said.
This young hero’s story is a reminder that true heroism can be found in the most unexpected places. His actions have not only saved his sister’s precious life but have easily inspired and moved us to tears.
Sources: Wembley College Greytown
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