Boy, 8, suffers cardiac arrest after being hit 'in the heart' by baseball pitch but his life is saved by off-duty paramedics
A Northern California family is
hailing a set of parents as heroes for saving the life of their son
after he was hit in the chest during a youth baseball game on Saturday,
causing his heart to stop.
The 8-year-old batter was hit by a pitch during a little league match in Rhonert Park. 'I was right behind the plate and this kid got hit in the heart with the ball,' Trenton Starrett, the 14-year-old umpire told ABC.
The boy took a few steps toward first base and collapsed, but received quick medical attention from Dan and Susan Farren, off-duty paramedics who were watching the game.
Aaron Johnson, a director for Cal Ripken Baseball in Rohnert Park, told the Santa Rosa Press Democrat the boy was hit while at bat.
The Farrens performed CPR until paramedics arrived and used a defibrillator to help restore a normal rhythm to the boy's heart. His name has not been released.
'God had his hand on this kid's heart,' Johnson said. The boy, also of Rohnert Park, is recovering and is expected to remain at Oakland Children's Hospital until at least Tuesday.
Doctors planned to conduct more tests as they monitor his progress. The pitcher who hit the boy is upset and has been in contact with the family, Johnson said.
'He's doing better. Every time he hears
his friend is getting better, it takes the burden off of him a little
bit,' Johnson told the Press Democrat. 'A pitcher's biggest fear is
hitting someone.'
The injury has led league officials to consider keeping a defibrillator on the grounds. 'Hopefully this prompts some in snack bars,' Johnson said.
The boy's parents are declining interviews. But Johnson has been instructed to speak for the family and he said they 'want the community to know the Farrens are absolute heroes in their eye.'
Last week, 16-year-old Taylor Dorman died after a softball hit him in the chest at school during a physical education class in Southern California. He had developed a heart rhythm problem.
The 8-year-old batter was hit by a pitch during a little league match in Rhonert Park. 'I was right behind the plate and this kid got hit in the heart with the ball,' Trenton Starrett, the 14-year-old umpire told ABC.
The boy took a few steps toward first base and collapsed, but received quick medical attention from Dan and Susan Farren, off-duty paramedics who were watching the game.
Drama: This baseball diamond in Rhonert Park,
California, witnessed an 8-year-old batter going into cardiac arrest
after being hit by a pitch
'I was right behind the plate and this kid got
hit in the heart with the ball,' Trenton Starrett, the 14-year-old
umpire (pictured) said
The Farrens performed CPR until paramedics arrived and used a defibrillator to help restore a normal rhythm to the boy's heart. His name has not been released.
'God had his hand on this kid's heart,' Johnson said. The boy, also of Rohnert Park, is recovering and is expected to remain at Oakland Children's Hospital until at least Tuesday.
Doctors planned to conduct more tests as they monitor his progress. The pitcher who hit the boy is upset and has been in contact with the family, Johnson said.
Quick-thinking: The boy was saved by two off-duty paramedics in the crowd who performed CPR
Good fortune: Aaron Johnson (pictured), a
director for Cal Ripken Baseball in Rohnert Park, said 'God had his hand
on this kid's heart'
The injury has led league officials to consider keeping a defibrillator on the grounds. 'Hopefully this prompts some in snack bars,' Johnson said.
The boy's parents are declining interviews. But Johnson has been instructed to speak for the family and he said they 'want the community to know the Farrens are absolute heroes in their eye.'
Last week, 16-year-old Taylor Dorman died after a softball hit him in the chest at school during a physical education class in Southern California. He had developed a heart rhythm problem.
Under observation: The boy is recovering and is expected to remain at Oakland Children's Hospital until at least Tuesday