Lawrence County two year old saved by quick action of officers
There’s a saying that, “it takes a village to raise a child.”
That has never been more true than on Tuesday, September 22 at about 6:00 P.M. in the small community of Blaine, Ky., Tark Hill to be exact. Chris Blanton was at home with his children, Karter Blanton age 2, Peyton, 6, and Abby age 9 while his wife Samantha was at work. Right down the street, Lawrence Co. Constable Paul Wells was visiting his family and State Trooper Bryan Layne decided to meet up with him when he came on duty.
Unbeknownst to them an emergency was unfolding right down the road.
Fortunately, the officers were able to hear the cries for help from Mr. Blanton as he came to the porch with his son, Karter in his arms. The two year old was lying in his father’s arms, seizing and fighting for his life. He couldn’t breathe.
“I couldn’t tell what was wrong with the baby from where we were at, my first thought was that he was choked,“ Constable Wells said. The two officers ran toward the child to offer assistance. When they reached the home of the Blantons, they noticed that the boy was seizing and at this time none of them knew the cause.
“I started asking Mr. Blanton questions in hopes of figuring this out. Has he had access to cleaning supplies, etc?” Trooper Layne said. Mr. Blanton explained to the officers that the only thing he knew was that the boy had been running a fever.
Acting on that, they decided to put the baby in a cool bath in hopes of lowering it. During this time Constable Wells had called 911 for an ambulance and the maternal grandparents had showed up along with an aunt. Both women with nursing backgrounds and the grandfather, a preacher, continually prayed. Constable Wells’ daughter also came to the scene and was instrumental in keeping the mother updated as everyone else focused on Karter.
After the bath of cool water, Karter stopped seizing and began responding.
Living in a community where the nearest hospital or ambulance is at least a 30 to 40 minute drive, this can seem hopeless in a dire situation.
Karter’s mother doesn’t think it was a simple coincidence that first responders were already in the area, but she thanks God that they were. The ambulance transported the 2 year old to Paul B. Hall Medical Center where they transferred him to Cabell Huntington Hospital (a trauma one facility) that also specializes in pediatrics.
Samantha Blanton stated that “ all of the glory goes to God, I’m not trying to take credit away from Paul, or the State Trooper. They were there for a reason. I also want to give my husband some credit. He is the most amazing daddy, he’s as good as any mother.”
Mrs. Blanton said that no part played in this incident was too small. Everyone played a part in saving Karter.
Today Karter is doing better and back to doing what 2 year old’s do thanks to some REAL LIFE HEROS.
