EMSA Ambulance Takes Near-Drowning Survivor Home For Holidays

Jacqueline Sit, News 9

MOORE, Oklahoma -- EMSA medics are granting a Christmas wish for the family of a 4-year-old near-drowning survivor from Moore. They're taking the little girl home for the holidays in an ambulance.

Brendine King almost drowned Memorial Day weekend at Sardis Lake in Tuskahoma in southeastern Oklahoma. She went five minutes without oxygen but doctors managed to save her after she arrived at the hospital. She has spent the past five months at the Children's Center in Bethany, recovering from a brain injury caused by the lack of oxygen, and undergoing rehabilitation.

Her mother, Christie King, said her daughter smiled for the first time a few months ago.

"It was an incredible moment and huge breakthrough," King said.

King said her family was hoping to bring Brendine home for Christmas, but hiring a private transport agency would cost hundreds of dollars, too much for the single mother of four. As a Christmas present to the family, EMSA medics will take Brendine home to her mother and sisters.

"Of course EMSA medics are thrilled to do this for the King family," said Lara O'Leary, EMSA Director of Public Information. "Brendine is only four-years-old. This precious little child should be able to be at home for Christmas. This is our special gift to the King family and our community."