On September 12, 2024, Pedro Ortega, a construction worker, spotted a small child, Azreal Andress, floating face down in the water while conducting a briefing. Concerned for the child’s safety, Ortega swiftly jumped in to rescue him. Arturo Vasquez, a postal worker, witnessed Ortega’s frantic actions and immediately called 911, despite not knowing how to perform CPR. Under guidance from dispatch, Vasquez focused on compressions while Ortega provided rescue breaths. Their collaborative efforts revived the child, who regained color and began breathing independently. Azreal was later hospitalized and discharged safely without lasting effects. Ortega and Vasquez’s bravery and quick thinking earned them the Life Saving Award, showcasing the profound impact one individual can have in a crisis. Their actions embody the spirit of community and selflessness.
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Pedro Ortega and Arturo Vasquez, Life Savers
On the morning of September 12, 2024, Pedro Ortega was working at a construction site and conducting a briefing with fellow workers when he spotted a small child wandering in the grass. He returned to the briefing, but afterward looked for the child and realized he was no longer in sight. Ortega inquired of his coworkers about the child’s whereabouts, but no one had any information. Concerned that they would be operating large equipment in the area, Ortega began to search for the child. He went to the playground near the shoreline and, when he reached it, he saw the child floating face down in the water. Without hesitation, Ortega rushed in to rescue him and then ran toward the street with him.
Arturo Vasquez, a postal worker, had just finished delivering mail when he spotted a drenched Ortega running to the street, carrying a lifeless child who was also soaking wet. Without hesitation, Vasquez jumped out of his vehicle and called 911 while rushing over to assist Ortega. The child, Azreal Andress, appeared to be blue around the mouth, was not breathing, and had no pulse. Although Vasquez was unsure of how to perform CPR, he felt compelled to try. Guided by the instructions from the La Porte Police Department Dispatch, he began compressions. Working together, Vasquez focused on the compressions while Ortega gave rescue breaths. Andress was also turned to his side to help expel the water from his mouth in between sets of compressions and breaths.
During the third set of compressions and breaths, the color returned to Andress’s mouth, and he began to move slightly – he was breathing independently and had a pulse again. Shortly after, the La Porte Fire Department and La Porte EMS arrived, provided care, and called for Life Flight. Andress was taken to Hermann Hospital and was discharged within a week, with no lasting effects from the near drowning.
It’s truly an honor to recognize the selfless actions of Pedro Ortega and Arturo Vasquez this evening. Their bravery and quick thinking truly made a difference during a crisis, ensuring that Azreal Andress is safe and here with us. This award not only acknowledges their heroic deeds but also serves as a reminder of the impact that individuals can have in moments of urgency.
On behalf of the La Porte EMS, Fire, and Police Departments, we extend our deepest gratitude to these two heroes. Thank you, Pedro and Arturo, for your courage and dedication to helping others. Your actions exemplify the spirit of community and selflessness that we all aspire to embody. Congratulations on receiving the Life Saving Award!
