Quick Response Saves Life of Excelsior Springs Resident

On July 11th, 2022, Excelsior Springs resident Michael Roberts (37) drowned to death in his family’s backyard swimming pool. But thanks to the quick actions of his father and Excelsior Springs emergency services Michael survived his deadly experience. Michael said the last thing he remembers before waking up in a hospital bed several days later, is walking around the pool, and talking on the phone with a friend while planning his birthday celebration. “We were supposed to smoke a brisket and have a pool party, but that obviously didn’t happen,” he chuckled. Michael Roberts, Sr. who found his son, said he felt something was wrong when he heard their dogs barking, “I had just looked out and seen (Michael) out by the pool a few minutes earlier, but something told me I’d better check on him again. I looked but didn’t see him anywhere, and when I went outside he was at the bottom of the pool.” Michael Sr. pulled Michael out of the pool and immediately began performing CPR the best he knew how. “I just did some of the things I’ve seen them do on TV… he coughed up some water and got a little color back and that’s when I was able to call 911,” he recalled tearfully.

Michael Roberts survived a drowning incident in his family’s backyard pool thanks to the quick response of his family and local first responders. In the photo on the left Roberts was declared brain dead (July 11, 2022) but he made a miraculous recovery and was fully conscious a week later as seen in the photo on the right (July 19, 2022). (photos submitted by Christina Smith).

Michael was born with a heart deformity and has had several open heart surgeries during his life. The family said medical professionals aren’t sure what caused Michael to pass out and fall into the pool but Michael said, most likely, it was a combination of extreme heat and possible dehydration that lead to the initial loss of consciousness. Michael Sr. credits the quick response of Excelsior Springs Police, Fire, and EMS for saving his son’s life. Earlier this week Michael his father and his sister Christina Smith spent some time visiting the Excelsior Springs fire station and police department to thank the responders who helped save his life. At the fire station, paramedic Jason Ortbals along with several others greeted Michael and shared their stories about the day’s events, then listened to the incredible story of Michael’s recovery. At the police station Sgt. Kyle Craven and Lt. Jeremiah Renne were on hand to receive thanks and share stories as well. Craven was first on the scene of the accident and said things looked grim when he first arrived. “When I got there I found Michael next to the pool and he was very blue, so I began with CPR until backup arrived,” he said. Next on the scene was rookie officer Stotts who delivered the defibrillator and helped administer a shock to restart Michael’s heart. Craven said that he’s just happy Michael has made a full recovery and that he could be there to help. “From the officers to firefighters and EMS to the doctors and nurses, this was a great team effort,” said Craven.

Michael Sr. and Michael’s sister, Christina Smith stayed by his side throughout his recovery and were amazed by his quick rebound. After being coded as brain dead on Monday, Michael began showing responsiveness on Tuesday and a week later he was speaking and nearly back to full cognition. Christina said that she’s grateful things turned out the way they did and the experience has changed their family for the better. “You don’t realize how quickly these things can happen… you can be here one minute and then gone in another. Our whole family is a lot closer because of what happened,” she said. Michael and his family said they are thankful for the Excelsior Springs first responders and the nurses and doctors who saved his life. “We’re forever grateful for what they’ve done,” said Michael Sr.

Excelsior Springs First responders included:
ESPD – Jeremiah, Renne, Ryan Dowdy, Kyle Craven, Anthony Goens, and Andrew Stott
ESFD – Jason Ortbals, Cody Horky, Jonah McKennon, Jessica Martin, Brad Smith, and Camron White

Nearly everyone involved in this incident cited the importance of CPR training. Paramedic Jason Ortbals said, “in this instance, early CPR and early defibrillation are what made the difference, and are probably what saved (Michael’s) life.” Ortbals wanted to remind Excelsior Springs residents that the Fire Department offers free CPR training every month (read more here). For more information on this free program, readers can reach out to the Excelsior Springs Fire Department at 1120 Tracy Ave here in Excelsior Springs by calling 816-630-3000.