FIGHT TO SAVE CHILD’S LIFE

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28154, 18 December 1956, Page 17

FIGHT TO SAVE CHILD’S LIFE

FOUR-HOUR BATTLE TO REVIVE BABY MEDICAL EVIDENCE AT INQUEST (From Our Own Reporter) WAIMATE, December 17. The story of a four-hour battle in an attempt to save the life of an 18-months-old child was told when medical evidence was heard before the Waimate Coroner, Mr D’A. S. Grut, concerning the death of Cornelius Johannes De Boer. The child was found by his mother, Mrs Elizabeth De Boer, face down in the Waihao river, on November 19. Dr. T. H. Fisher said he received a call at 5.20 p.m. and on arrival at the home found Mr James Small administering artificial respiration to the child on the floor in the kitchen. The child’s clothing was completely saturated. Artificial respiration was continued and a considerable amount of, water was expelled from the mouth. The heart was still beating. • Resuscitation procedures were continued and also maintained in transit to the Waimate Hospital at approximately 7 p.m. The heart was still beating at 8 p.m., but very feebly. Respiration was, however, continued until 9.30 p.m., but at no stage was voluntary respiration established. Dr Fisher said. In his opinion death was due to drowning. The inquest was adjourned.