ICE officer Gregory Simmons details saving child from drowning
ICE Law Enforcement Officer Gregory Simmons recounted the intense moments when he helped rescue a 6-year-old child from drowning in a Pasco County, Florida, pool. Simmons said he acted on instinct, administering CPR to the unconscious child until the youngster was revived. The incident underscored the lifesaving actions law enforcement officers can take both on and off the job.
The family of a 1-year-old boy who was pronounced dead at an Arizona hospital before later being discovered alive in a morgue is preparing to pursue legal action over the case.
The child’s parents could also face possible child abuse charges after acknowledging they had used marijuana and failed to properly watch him during a Super Bowl gathering. The toddler, identified as Vincent Fiordilino, was found face down in a swimming pool and rushed by first responders to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead.
According to AZFamily, relatives intend to sue Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center and the physician involved, identified only as Dr. Toosi. Body camera video reportedly captured Toosi pronouncing the child dead at 6:20 p.m., though Vincent’s mother and a nurse noticed possible signs of life minutes later.
A police report reviewed by the local outlet said Vincent appeared to be “still possibly breathing,” noting movement in his stomach and chest area that suggested rising and falling.
Vincent Fiordilino was declared legally dead at an Arizona hospital before being found alive in the morgue. (Google Maps/GoFundMe)
When the concern was relayed to Toosi, the report said the doctor reacted “arrogantly,” allegedly stating that he was the doctor, had the medical degree, attended medical school for a reason and should be allowed to handle the situation.
Medical personnel later found Vincent breathing and with a pulse shortly before midnight in the morgue. He was then airlifted to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, where doctors confirmed he had sustained serious medical complications connected to the near-drowning.
According to a GoFundMe drive set up for the boy, Vincent’s kidneys, lungs and liver began shutting down after he arrived at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. An MRI initially identified two small areas of potential brain damage, but later testing reportedly found no brain damage. The fundraiser says Vincent continues to require extensive therapy, ongoing medical monitoring and treatment as he recovers.
Phoenix Children’s Hospital in Phoenix. Vincent Fiordilino was transferred to the hospital after medical personnel discovered he was alive following an initial declaration of death, according to police. (Google Maps)
Neither Toosi nor the parents have been charged with a crime in relation to the incident. Toosi’s attorney declined to comment on the issue when contacted by AZFamily.
According to AZFamily, a Dignity Health spokesperson said the hospital conducted a review following the incident.
One-year-old Vincent Fiordilino. (GoFundMe)
“This is a heartbreaking situation. We immediately conducted a thorough review of all aspects of the care that was provided to learn what happened and to make meaningful changes to strengthen our care,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “Out of respect for the patient’s privacy, we cannot discuss details. We continue to work with the family and their representative. Patient safety and exceptional care is our highest priority.”
