First Responders Shine in Pediatric Drowning Simulations

Posted On: May 6, 2025

First responders were put to the test on May 2 when they responded to three back-to-back pediatric drowning simulations, earning high praise from a top surgeon with Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, the only level one trauma center for children in Central Florida.

Responding agencies included Volusia County's Beach Safety, Emergency Medical Services, and Coastal divisions, along with the Volusia Sheriff's Office, Daytona Beach Shores Public Safety, the Ponce Inlet and Port Orange fire departments, Halifax Health Medical Center of Port Orange, and the Orlando Health Air Care Team.

Physicians and staff from Arnold Palmer Hospital monitored each team's progress as the "patient" was pulled from the ocean by Volusia County Beach Safety, treated on the beach, and transported to Halifax Health Medical Center Port Orange, where he was resuscitated and loaded onto a helicopter for further treatment at Arnold Palmer Hospital.

"We do these multiagency drills in many locations around Central Florida, but this was the first time we worked on the beach," said Donald Plumley, M.D., pediatric trauma medical director for Arnold Palmer Hospital. "Everyone did fantastic, and it was a great learning experience for all."

A former lifeguard himself, Dr. Plumley was impressed by the lifeguards' initial response as they swam a quarter mile to perform the rescue.

"This was an impressive, collaborative effort, and everybody did fantastic," he said. "Lifeguards, sheriff's deputies, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and firefighters worked together as a team to save a child's life and transport him safely to the hospital."

After the scenario, the Arnold Palmer Hospital team debriefed the participants and shared insights to further strengthen response efforts.

"This exercise allowed our prehospital team members to practice their pediatric rescue skills and prepare to deliver lifesaving care to our residents and visitors," said Volusia County Medical Director Jessica Gershen, M.D. "We are grateful to the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children team for running these scenarios and for providing expert advice for our prehospital providers. This was a great opportunity for our community providers, from Beach Safety to our city fire departments and Volusia County EMS, to practice together and continue to provide seamless care to our community in the future."