By Roddy AshworthA PARAMEDIC said the body's natural defences almost certainly saved a toddler who fell into a pond and was submerged for up to a minute.

By Roddy Ashworth

A PARAMEDIC said the body's natural defences almost certainly saved a toddler who fell into a pond and was submerged for up to a minute.

The potentially fatal accident happened on Monday afternoon when the 16-month-old boy fell into a garden pond in Longfield Road, South Woodham Ferrers.

His mother's managed to pull him from the water and call for an ambulance. Crews arrived within five minutes and immediately started treatment on the toddler.

The Essex Air Ambulance was also sent to the house and flew the youngster to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford for further treatment.

Damian Sherman, paramedic, said: “A child's body has a natural defence mechanism in situations like this. Effectively, it closes the throat when the body is underwater.

“When this happens the brain, in essence, puts the body to sleep, slowing the heart rate down dramatically.

“This means children can sometimes survive considerable periods of time underwater, though this is obviously not a situation that is desirable.”

He added: “Because of this and the quick reactions of his mother and the crews, he has not only survived, but was released from hospital after several hours under observation.

“This must have been a terrifying ordeal for the whole family, but we are all just so glad that it has turned out well.”

roddy.ashworth@eadt.co.uk