Little Boy at Nautical Inn on Friday 6/9/06

[Hardly Satisfied]

We as ***boat members thought that we would put out this story for any ***boat members that might have been at the Nautical Inn on Friday, 6/9/06 and are wondering what the outcome was for the little boy rushed to the hospital. This is our horrible story. We had just arrived at our boat in the nautical inn cove after running errands all morning. We bribed our kids with a fun afternoon on the boat if they were good and patient as we tended to business. We, my husband and I, were sitting outside the boat in the water watching the two kids play in the water. My 2 1/2 year old son, Ryan, decided he wanted to go in the boat. So as I have done over a hundred times I rinsed his feet and lifted him onto the boat. Shortly after, I didn't see or here him so I decided to go looking for him and figured he had fallen asleep, because he was SOOOO exhausted. I looked inside the boat and saw him standing at the counter that has a compartment at the top (what Advantage calls the ice chest). He had opened the lid and appeared to have just fallen asleep standing up. (This is not the most unusual position we have found him sleeping). We then starting taking pictures because I am an avid scrapbooker. Once we captured the pictures my husband decided to move him to a more comfortable position in hopes he would get a really good nap. This is when the horror began. As my husband lifted him up his face was as blue as a pepsi can. Immediately my husband ran and laid him down on the seat and tilted his head to clear an airwave and was about to begin CPR as I simutaniously started yelling for some who knew CPR. Immediately we had these two guys board our boat and identified themselves as off duty paramedics. (thank GOD for the firemans regatta) My son was in full arrest with no heartbeat and not breathing. They were able to jump start his heart with CPR and then continued rescue breathing on him. The ambulance showed up so quickly and all they had to do was load him up and take him away thanks to the fast acting off duty paramedics. We were at the Lake havasu hospital within 20 minutes from the start of this horrible ordeal. At the LH hospital they had to put Ryan on a breathing machine and induce a comma so he wouldn't run into any problems while they air lifted him and myself over the the Las Vegas childrens trauma center. As I was flying over the river, all I could think about was how many times I had seen that helicopter fly over while I was on the river and was always pointing it out to my children. I will forever stop and pray for the safety of whomever is on board when I see that helicopter from now on. Once we arrived they stabalized him and transfered him up to the NIC unit. In less than 12 hours they were able to take him off the breathing machine as he was breathing well on his own. By saturday night we were seeing definate signs of our precious little boy but I have to admit I was growing more and more concerned with brain damage as he was having difficulty with some motor skills. He was unable to put his hands together or even sit up for that matter. Saturday night was the first time I actually cried myself to sleep with worry. Sunday morning when I arrived at the hospital, my husband had left to reunite with our 5 year old daughter and bring her to visit her brother in Las Vegas before making the trip home with her grandparents, I walked into Ryan's room and he yelled mommy and lunged into my arms and gave me one of the biggest hugs I have ever had from him. I had tears running down my face and instantly called my husband because I knew he had the same concerns with brain damage as I did and I didn't want him worrying all morning about it knowing what a drastic change that had occured. As soon as Ryan regained speaking all he would talk about was going to the boat and the boat keys. (I think he felt cheated that he behaved so good while we ran errands and never did get his reward of a fun boat ride). The next step for Ryan was to get strong enough to walk before they would let him go home. So we began that journey. We dangled a spare set of boat keys (thank God we had them in the truck) in front of him and this gave him the determination to walk to get them. It is so funny how much this little guy already loves his boat (it must be a guy thing) because anytime he was getting upset with something the nurse was doing, I would just lean down and tell him to close his eyes and go on a boat ride with me. I would talk about how we put on his lifejacket and turn on the radio and have the warm air hitting us in the face. This seemed to put him at peace and take his mind off whatever they were doing. Less than 2 1/2 days after my son was clinically dead he was on his way home to california apparently 98% himself. They said with the swelling of the brain he is going to be irriatble, and let me tell you he is actually down right mean. But this is a side affect and not something that is permanent. I want to thank James, the Scottsdale paramedic who started my sons heart, Doug, the Peoria paramedic who did Ryans breathing for him, the man who took over the 911 call I placed after I got so frustrated with being put on hold 3 times, the lady from the boat next to us who came and gave me a hug and told me everything would be ok, the same lady from the boat next to us who also sat in the sand and played with my daughter, our dear friends Dan and Alberta and Mike and Trish who co-babysat our daughter in Havasu until we could reunite, to all the medical staff who had a part in Ryans success story and to all our family and friends and even the strangers who thought and prayed for his safe recovery. Words cannot express our gratitude. On our way up to havasu on Thursday night we stopped to help a motor home that was stuck on the side of the road, and I truly believe that help was given to us so quickly because we took the time to help someone else. (lesson learned) Also, please take the time whenever you see a firefighter/paramedic to thank them for doing their job, you just never know when it might be you they will be doing it for. Also the Ronald McDonald house put us and my parents up in Las Vegas, and wow what a wonderful program. If any of you drink alot out of cans, please keep the tabs and forward them to your local Ronald McDonald house. I can provided at least the Las Vegas address if anyone is interested.
Our heartfelt thanks again,
Ed, Kathy, Haley and Ryan Palaskis

[dicudmore]

wow guys...very glad to hear that he's gonna be OK

[MR HARLEY]

Ed, Kathy, you and your son will be in my prayers, I am very very glad your son is doing better.

[Jyruiz]

Thank God.

[TCN]

What an amazing end to a parents worst nightmare story. Glad everything is fine with Ryan. Did you ever find out what caused him to stop breathing? Best wishes on his full recovery. Nick Jonson (SDLifesaver)

[Phat Matt]

Damn. I am glad everything is ok. What was it that caused the problem though?

[Mrs.Killer]

Wow, glad to hear he is doing well.

[HavasuSelect]

Thank goodness everything is okay. What a miraculous story.

[core attitude]

Wow...that gave me the chills. Glad to hear it looks like a positive outcome.

[Boa1277]

Damn that is a touching story, it even brought a tear of happiness to my eyes. I am very glad your son is ok, and I am sure you will have many many more boat rides planned for him in the future..Good Luck

[Hardly Satisfied]

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. What actually happened was he got his arm and head stuck inside the openig of the compartment (going for those dreaded boat keys) and instantly pinched off his air supply. Someone related it to the arm/head choke hold that is used in wrestling that could instantly knock someone out. We are truly very lucky.

[Mrs.Racer277]

Glad to hear a happy ending to this story. It brought me to tears. I am glad to hear everything turned out OK.

[HocusPocus]

normally when i see a long post.. i just bypass it out of lazyness. im so glad i read this one and even more glad things turned out positive for your kid.

[slowinhavasu]

Finally a great ending......so glad to here your son is ok....A parents best day...... :)

[GHT]

Very touching... I am so glad you and your family didn't have to endure the unthinkable. Tell Ryan he has a lot a fans out here and I am truely happy for all of you.
DON

[chub]

The good Lord blessed and kept Ryan as he did me on a fateful night. I've thanked him for us both! :) God love all that attend the weary!

[LaveyOne]

The good Lord blessed and kept Ryan as he did me on a fateful night. I've thanked him for us both! :) God love all that attend the weary!
Make that three, including myself. Scary ordeal and very emotionally written. I'm glad everything is going to be alright. God bless you and your family...

[HatenWinter]

That ending is the best thing I've ever read on here. Im glad your son will be OK! Great job to the off duty medics, something to be proud of.

[DILLIGAF]

Wow...very intense. I am glad that things worked out for all of you. That would have been terrible to have to deal with if things would have went the other way.

[No Name]

Great news..... :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

[OutCole'd]

What a story! I'm so glad to hear that your son is going to be OK!! My wife never reads the boards, but I called her in and asked her read that. Best of luck to you all.

[XtrmWakeborder]

It's about time one of these stories had a good ending! I'm glad the little guy is ok, i hope he fully recovers and is on the river asap. Thats my perscription whenever somethings wrong with me.

[blown dough]

Glad your son is doing well. God bless you all!!

[Hardly Satisfied]

If my son had it his way he would be on the boat right now. Another reason I posted this story is to let everyone know that no matter how careful you are, not drinking and driving the boat, not taking the kids to the sandbars when it is absolutely crazy and making them wear lifejackets at all times, the unthinkable can still happen. Don't ever think like I thought "it couldn't happen to me" you just never know.

[LHC Kirby]

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. What actually happened was he got his arm and head stuck inside the openig of the compartment (going for those dreaded boat keys) and instantly pinched off his air supply. Someone related it to the arm/head choke hold that is used in wrestling that could instantly knock someone out. We are truly very lucky.
Wow - that is a bummer - glad to hear he is on the road to recovery. MY first thought was (since you mentioned Ice chest) was that he had swallowed an Ice cube which would block the air way but Melt away after causing much of the same problems. Any one helpng would have found an open airway - not knowing what caused it.... just my thought!
Amazing what can happen in just a minute or two - -

[Biglue]

My heart dropped reading this story. I'm so happy to hear it turned out the way it did. As a parent of a little 2 year old myself this is especially touching. Will keep you guys in our thoughts and I want to wish your son a full and speedy recovery.
Louie and Misty.

[jbone]

If you haven't already done so, you may want to forward your letter to the paramedic's supervisors. They may be eligible for a life safing award or something.
Many don't do the job for recognition, but it can go a long way.
Very happy to hear everything worked out.
J

[Redrider]

I am sure glad he is okay! I hope he gets his ride in the boat and you have a safe next trip to the river! :rollside:

[BoatFloating]

Very glad things turned out the way they did..... God was on your side that day....

[H20Advantage]

Thank you for your post and thank God your child is okay. Your story brought a tear to my eye. I can only imagine how my wife and I would feel in your same circumstances.
Also a thanks to those who lend an unselfish hand in a time of need. I give the fire guys a hard time but when you really need them they seem to always be there.
We will pray for a fast and complete recovery for your son.

[Redrider]

We are glad all worked out okay... Thank GOD!!!

[shadow]

Wow Ed that story choked me up.I'm so glad for you and your family of the out come.Thank god for the rescue personel on the scene.
Now take that boy boating he deserves it. :)

[mbrown2]

Great news....someone is looking out for you and your family:)

[blown dough]

I have a 5 year old daughter and your story really is an eye opener. Thank you for sharing.

[doesitfloat?]

Incredible story...stuff like this can happen to ANYONE, even the most responsible parents. I'm so happy for your family that it turned out OK. Now, excuse me while I go hug my little Ryan (and Rachel)! :rollside:

[GOTLDH]

Glad to hear you're son is doing well.

[TrojanDan]

God bless the little guy! :cool:

[Redneck]

omg our prayers are with you guys let us know if there is anything else we can do to help

[TrojanDan]

God bless you Ryan! :cool:

[GOTLDH]

Glad to hear your little boy is ok!!!

[Havasu1986]

I missed out in life on having kids, but you had the tears going faster then the river. I gave my dogs a great big hug.

[Throttle]

OMG, I am so glad this story got better! Hope to see you guys soon! :rollside:

[Kiddunot]

what an amazing story. Thank god your son is doing well. Always remember you can never be too careful. My thoughts go out to you and your family..........

[Daytona100]

Wow reading that story makes your heart sink in your chest. Thank god it turned out the way it did. Wish the best for you and your family and a full recovery for your son. Hats off to the fireman great job.

[KILLER V]

Ed & Kathy Glad All Is Well. We Were Right Next To You All Afternoon. Hope To See You Boating Realy Soon. All People Can Realy Do For Each Other Is Help And That Is Surley What Happened For You Last Friday

[bignet]

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. What actually happened was he got his arm and head stuck inside the openig of the compartment (going for those dreaded boat keys) and instantly pinched off his air supply. Someone related it to the arm/head choke hold that is used in wrestling that could instantly knock someone out. We are truly very lucky.
Wow....that is an amazing story. I hope there are no long term affects from this. Glad he's doing ok...My family will keep him in our prayers. :)
bignet

[H20 Toie]

Congrats that it came out just fine.

[Bling Bling]

If my son had it his way he would be on the boat right now. Another reason I posted this story is to let everyone know that no matter how careful you are, not drinking and driving the boat, not taking the kids to the sandbars when it is absolutely crazy and making them wear lifejackets at all times, the unthinkable can still happen. Don't ever think like I thought "it couldn't happen to me" you just never know.
Ditto, glad to hear Ryan is fine. Every boater with kids needs to read this post 10 times over. What a refreshing endind to what I'm guessing was your worst day ever.

[Outnumbered]

Really a freak accident no one could have known was coming. Sounds like it could have happened in any small opening in the boat or at home. Glad he is OK. Great happy ending. :)

[Essex29]

Wow! I haven't shed a tear in a long time, but this story did it. I wish more of these happening had this same awesome ending!
I took a cpr class 4 yrs ago and will definitley be doing a refresher.

[Essex29]

Wow! I haven't shed a tear in a long time, but this story did it. I wish more of these happening had this same awesome ending!
I took a cpr class 4 yrs ago and will definitley be doing a refresher

[AirtimeLavey]

What a terrifying ordeal for to go through. Glad it all turned out well. Thank goodness for people who take the time to get involved, and help out. :D

[Garrddogg]

WOW thank god hes ok.. good luck

[MRSDRMCAT]

Ed and Kathy SO SORRY to hear that you had to go through such a scary situation. I am so happy that it was a great outcome. WOW really puts things into prespective. Hope to see you out there soon and give him a BIG hug.

[THOR]

Great news!
So, no idea of what happened? Poor kid.

[CasinoDelSol]

incredible story. Happy to read he is getting better. We need to be brought to reality every once in a while. Glad you posted and made us all think.

[Not So Fast]

What a story! I'm so glad to hear that your son is going to be OK!! My wife never reads the boards, but I called her in and asked her read that. Best of luck to you all.
Did the same Bill. Nothing as sad as a child who is hurt or sick! Happy ending is nice, good luck. NSF

[Rock-A-Bye-Baby]

I also got the chills reading this. What an experience.. Unfortunately it takes these kinds of experiences to really put things into perspective. I cannot imagine anything happening to my children. I don't think i could handle it at all.
Cheers to your son and your family. And cheers to the paramedics!

[Her454]

WOW, very intense and it brought me to tears. You are correct, I say a prayer for those involved every time I see a medi-flight as I have also been there and its very traumatic.
I am so glad all turned out well for you and your family.

[jbtrailerjim]

Wow that is so scary. I had tears in my eyes reading your story. I'm so glad to hear he is going to be OK.

[little rowe boat]

When I started reading what happened my heart was in my throat. As a Riverside resident and the father of a 21 month old, this hits wat too close to home. I can't help but think about those types of things happening everytime we head to Havasu. This has got to be every parents worst nightmare.
May God bless you and your family and keep you all safe.
Jeff.

[C-2]

Thank you for your post and thank God your child is okay. Your story brought a tear to my eye. I can only imagine how my wife and I would feel in your same circumstances.
Also a thanks to those who lend an unselfish hand in a time of need. I give the fire guys a hard time but when you really need them they seem to always be there.
We will pray for a fast and complete recovery for your son.
Ditto, my thoughts exactly.

[2Driver]

Good thing you kept your heads and the EMT's guys were right there. That was a tough read and a great outcome.
We took a similar life-flight with our 2 year old. My wife was in the chopper on her cell to me while I boarded a plane in San Diego to rush back home - life changing experience isn’t it?

[redneckgirl]

God truely blessed your little boy and your family!!!! I am very sorry for your pain but glad you were blessed with a happy ending!!!! :)
RNG

[havasurat27]

WOW! Happy ending! :rollside:

[Scream]

Wow, what a dramatic story. Thank God you're baby is alright, I cannot imagine the stress you must have been under when you realized all was not as it seemed. I hope there are no lingering affects.
Thank goodness the firefighters were swarming around you too, your son was definately being watched over.
I've been CPR trained for adults, adolecents and infants for years now and just got a refresher not too long ago. I would encourage everyone on this board to do the same. The cost is minimal and will go along way to providing help when it's needed elsewhere.
Scream

[All IN]

I'm stitting at my desk reading your story and like any parent I can't stop crying. Thank god everything turned out OK. May your son continue to make improvement.

[Hardly Satisfied]

Again, Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read our story and for thinking about my family. We have posted another thread to alert all Advantage boat owners of the possible threat to small children on their boat. My son is doing wonderful, as he is already getting into his mischeif again. Can't take your eyes off of him for a second. Thanks again for all your well wishes and you are all bringing tears to my eyes seeing the nice and thoughtful things you have to say to someone you don't even know.
Thanks again,
Ed and Kathy

[Scream]

Well, if you don't mind me asking, I see on your other thread you're mentioning a choking hazard, perhaps it might behoove the rest of us non advantage owners to know of the issue and ensure it's not something we will be dealing with in our own boats...
Scream

[SoCalSouthpaw]

Umm, first off, I am very glad everything is turning out ok. Secondly, its a rare occasion I read a thread here and actually have to dry my eyes before even finishing it. God Bless.

[KACHINA KEN]

I love a happy ending. :)

[Hardly Satisfied]

Well, if you don't mind me asking, I see on your other thread you're mentioning a choking hazard, perhaps it might behoove the rest of us non advantage owners to know of the issue and ensure it's not something we will be dealing with in our own boats...
Scream
What happened is we have a compartment that has a small opening that is accessed from the top of the counter area. It is a triangular type opening. He reached into it to try and retrieve the boat keys when his arm and head got stuck and he instantly knocked himself unconcious. The hopital said that it was affixation. There was plently of air for him to breathe, but he basically put himself in a choke hold. If anyone can't understand, I know it is really hard to explain, PM with an email address and I can forward a picture of him in this situation. I didn't want to post it. I am not sure how to attach pictures to PM's so a different email address would be better.
Thanks again, for all your concern.
Ed and Kathy

[Scream]

What happened is we have a compartment that has a small opening that is accessed from the top of the counter area. It is a triangular type opening. He reached into it to try and retrieve the boat keys when his arm and head got stuck and he instantly knocked himself unconcious. The hopital said that it was affixation. There was plently of air for him to breathe, but he basically put himself in a choke hold. If anyone can't understand, I know it is really hard to explain, PM with an email address and I can forward a picture of him in this situation. I didn't want to post it. I am not sure how to attach pictures to PM's so a different email address would be better.
Thanks again, for all your concern.
Ed and Kathy
Wow, what are the chances...You have this horrible experience and photographic proof of why it occured. I am getting a very clear picture of what happened now. My God, while those pictures will be helpful in preventing further problems down the line (I hope so anyway) they're a bit haunting for you. I can give you my email address but you don't need to send them to me, instead let's get some pictures of the little guy playing and laughing. That's good medicine.
Scream

[uvindex]

The hopital said that it was affixation.
I'm so glad that your little boy is OK! :)
The word is asphyxiation -- not trying to be picky, just thought you'd like to know since you're probably going to have to repeat this story to friends/relatives/etc. :)

[lalhc]

It's good to hear a happy ending after much of the stories we've read over the past couple of months. I was at the Naked Turtle yesterday afternoon and our bartender was asking if anyone had heard the outcome of your son.

[MrsSigEpMock]

I am so happy that you son pulled through. I couldn't even come close to imagining what those couple days felt like.
I also agree with Scream about board members taking CPR. I have had both adult & infant classes in 2 years, but to be honost, I think I'd freak if I really had to perform CPR. A lot of employers are being required to have CPR trained employees on staff. Everyone who has an HR dept. should really ask if their company has a program. Mine did.

[little rowe boat]

If CPR. is started immediately the chances of survival are much greater. Thank God Cpr. was initiated right away.

[Parker Dreamin]

Glad to hear everything is working out....

[PlyaPlya22]

i am glad everything turned out for the better.

[riverroyal]

my eyes got a little watery,,,glad everything is ok,,,might need to go hug my kids,be right back

[GAME TIME]

Wow, what a horrible thing to go through but thank God Ryan is OK. I'm truely glad this had a good ending.

[Boa1277]

LOL, after reading the whole thread I thought I might look like a big wuss when I noticed the tears streaming when your wife wrote he jumped into my arms when I saw him at the hospital the next day, it really made me truly happy inside, at least I know there is alot of wussies on hot boat, and I am still a truly tough guy! LOL, anyway I am going to give this story to the owner of the company that I work for, United Fire in Tucson AZ we give out the FireFighter of the year award in AZ and I think these guys qualify.. I may need to get some more info from you if he is interested so look for a pm from me in the future.. :crossx:

[Focker]

Ed
Carrol and I are so sorry for the trauma you and your family as well as your friends have been thru
glad your son is ok and hope to see ya soon
Gerd

[little rowe boat]

I work for, United Fire in Tucson AZ we give out the FireFighter of the year award in AZ and I think these guys qualify.. I may need to get some more info from you if he is interested so look for a pm from me in the future.. :crossx:
Can you make it happen? That would be awesome.

[tdifilippe]

I am friends with this couple and they are awesome parents. I was at the hospital with them and reading the story still makes me cry. They are soo blessed to have had the firefighters near them to save Ryan. My children are older and when i explained to them what happend, they understand now why i worry soo much. I don't think i have ever prayed as hard as i did that night. We love you Ed, Kathy, Haley and Ryan. See you at the lake sometime. Haley, I believe your little bear did the trick!! you are an awesome sister. And such a brave little girl.
Love ya
Tammy, Jamie, Nikole and Jessica