By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – A Tucson teen is recovering at a local hospital after a near-drowning incident while whitewater rafting in Montana.
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Evie Scoville’s boat overturned, submerging her for about 10 minutes. Those who were with her did 45 minutes of CPR before paramedics were able to get to her.
Doctors told Evie’s family that the CPR was crucial in saving her life.
She is in critical condition in the ICU at a Tucson hospital, but the family tells 13 News that she is making progress.
Evie was underwater for 10 minutes, which meant her brain and other organs were unable to receive oxygen. Her boyfriend’s family then administered CPR before paramedics arrived.
“In health class, we did a little CPR thing, and I could barely do it for two minutes, so I was like, 45 minutes- that’s so much time, and we’re so thankful that so many people knew CPR and could help out,” said Evie’s brother Eric.
Tucson Fire Department Assistant Chief Barrett Baker said knowing CPR is essential, especially if someone’s heart stops beating.
“Whether it’s five minutes or 25 minutes, until the cavalry gets there, that CPR is what’s keeping that person alive or giving them a shot to someday walk out of the hospital,” Baker said.
Baker said providing care to a person in critical condition is crucial, especially since it takes time before paramedics can arrive.
“Between the traffic and construction and all of those things, it does take time to get to a location once the 911 system is activated. So just to be able to do effective CPR, you are a lifesaver,” Baker said.
Evie’s loved ones both know CPR and urge others to learn it too. They also emphasize the importance of being prepared.
“Even something as little as knowing CPR, worst goes to worst, you can help out more than you can ever imagine,” Eric Scoville said.
Evie’s best friend Gabriella Gallerani said she saw the value of CPR and recently took a class.
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“I really did see the value of it, and it’s important to know how that truly saved Evie’s life, and I think it’s really important that everyone knows how to do it,” Gallerani said.
Loved ones describe Evie as someone with an infectious personality and an adventurous spirit who is loved.
“I can’t remember being in the same room with her and feeling, like, bored,” Eric Scoville said.
“Despite being here for barely almost a year now, she had tons of friends. She had an amazing community around her,” Gallerani said.
To donate to the family’s GoFundMe to fundraise for Evie’s healthcare costs, click HERE.As of 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3, more than $100,000 had been raised.
The American Red Cross has a free app that offers CPR training and helps with many more emergency scenarios. It even includes suggestions for songs to use to ensure proper rhythm while doing CPR.
You can download it for your Apple and Android devices. You can also get it by texting “GETFIRST” to 90999.
A complete list of the free apps from the Red Cross, including one for becoming a blood donor and one for providing first aid to your pet, can be found HERE.
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