Girl, 6, saved by teachers quick to perform CPR

BOSTON -- When a 6-year-old girl collapsed in the school gymnasium, two quick thinking teachers jumped into action to save her life.

The girl, a student at East Boston Central Catholic School, had an unknown condition that became apparent when her heart stopped.

As soon as she collapsed, kindergarten teacher Kathy Carabine and sixth-grade teacher Robert Casaletto began CPR.

Carabine told 7News, "a million thoughts go through your head in the matter of a second," adding, "We clarified the count, thirty compressions, two breaths, and we just got to work."

Crews arrived on the scene and used a defibrillator to resuscitate her.

"CPR truly makes a difference and truly saves people's lives.  In the case of this little girl, in the case of people who collapse," said EMS Chief Richard Serino.             

The girl is now in stable condition at Massachusetts General Hospital where staff members say she is improving by the day.

Boston EMTs said the fast action of the two teachers to perform CPR aided the girl’s chances of survival.

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