Elmhurst Boy Who Saved Drowning Sister Named 'Best Big Brother for Life'

Elmhurst, IL - An 11-year-old boy has been recognized as the "Best Big Brother for Life" for saving his sister from drowning.

Sam Braafhart pulled 3-year-old Hailey from a pool around 10:30 a.m. March 25 at Atrium Apartments and calmly and effectively performed life-saving CPR on her.

Police, fire and EMS personnel arrived within two minutes of the dispatch. They found Sam following CPR directions provided by his nanny, "and he was working as hard as he could to make sure that this little girl was going to survive," said interim fire chief William Anaszewicz.

Paramedics treating Hailey found she had a pulse, and they were able to suction her airway and provide care.

At the April 18 council meeting, the City of Elmhurst and the Elmhurst Fire Department recognized Sam, the firefighters, police, paramedics and others who helped in the rescue.

Sam received the Life-Saving Award, "for his heroic actions on March 25, 2016. His remarkable ability to remain calm and perform life-saving CPR under immense personal pressure has earned him this recognition. He will be the best big brother for the rest of his life."