A lizard in Australia has been named Lucky after an off-duty firefighter revived it with CPR.
The reptile was found drowning in a swimming pool in New South Wales by local children.
Posting a video of the first aid response, Fire and Rescue NSW Station 037 Gordon said: “On Saturday one our off-duty firefighters was asked to attend a neighbourhood pool where a drowning had occurred.
“Upon arriving at the scene, a youngster was laying unconscious and not breathing after being found unresponsive in a pool skimmer box by some children after failing to ‘scale’ from the pool.”
*WARNING DISTRESSING CONTENT* with a very happy ending. On Saturday one our off duty firefighters was asked to attend a neighbourhood pool where a drowning had occurred. Upon arriving at the scene a youngster was laying unconscious and not breathing after being found un-responsive in a pool skimmer box by some children after failing to ‘scale’ from the pool. Immediately getting to work the 37 firefighter checked for a response by looking, listening and feeling for life the patient appeared cold blooded. After receiving no response the youngster was turned onto its back and Cardiopulmonary compressions started in an attempt to get a spring in his tail.After more than ten minutes things weren’t looking good for the little fella but soon after an occasional “gasping breath” was noticed. From previous experience our firefighters know this is not the time to stop so CPR was continued. Then miraculously “Lucky” the lizard started to breath on his own. He was quickly rolled back onto his stomach and within half an hour with a little sunshine was back to chasing insects. It also serves as a timely reminder to know your CPR action plan in and around the water as we head towards the end of summer.Another great save by the Gordon crew. Fire and Rescue NSW St John Ambulance Surf Life Saving NSW #preparedforanything Taroonga Zoo #beardeddragon #CPRsaveslives
Posted by Fire and Rescue NSW Station 037 Gordon on Sunday, February 2, 2020
The firefighter administered CPR to the lizard using one finger for more than 10 minutes, after which it was able to scuttle off.
Firefighters said: “After more than 10 minutes things weren’t looking good for the little fella but, soon after, an occasional ‘gasping breath’ was noticed.
“From previous experience our firefighters know this is not the time to stop so CPR was continued.
“Then, miraculously, ‘Lucky’ the lizard started to breathe on his own. He was quickly rolled back on to his stomach and within half an hour, with a little sunshine, was back to chasing insects.”