Off-Duty Nurse Rushes to Save Boy After Accidental Shooting
Amy, a flight nurse from Eustis, Florida, was relaxing at home on a Sunday morning when her nursing skills were suddenly put to the test in the most unexpected way. A frantic knock on her door from a neighbor turned her quiet day into a life-or-death situation. The neighbor’s 5-year-old son had accidentally shot himself in the head. Police reports indicate that the family typically stored firearms inside lock boxes on a high shelf in the bedroom closet. However, it is unclear how the boy accessed the weapon. The shooting has been classified as accidental, and no charges have been filed as of the latest updates. The investigation remains ongoing.
Amy, along with her fiancé Robert O’Brien, who happens to be a Davenport police officer, immediately jumped into action. While Robert grabbed medical supplies from his patrol vehicle, Amy assessed the child’s condition and began lifesaving interventions. Together, they applied pressure to control the bleeding and contacted air medical transport. That fast, coordinated response gave the boy his best shot at survival.
Later, medical professionals confirmed what we nurses already know: in emergencies like this, every second counts. Having someone with the right training nearby can mean the difference between life and death.
Firearms and Children: Understanding the Risks and Prevention
This heartbreaking incident is part of a larger issue that nurses see all too often. According to the CDC, firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens in the U.S., with about 4,300 young lives lost each year. Even more alarming, studies show that roughly one-third of homes with children contain firearms, and an estimated 4.6 million kids live in homes where at least one weapon is loaded and unlocked.
Dr. Moira Szilagyi, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, puts it bluntly: “Firearm injuries are now the number one cause of death for children and teens in the United States. These deaths are preventable.”
And prevention is where we, as nurses, can make a huge impact. The American Nurses Association emphasizes that nurses play a key role in educating families about firearm safety. Whether it’s reminding parents to use gun safes, install trigger locks, or store ammunition separately, these conversations can save lives.
It may feel awkward at first to bring up firearm safety during a well-visit or a community health event, but it’s a conversation worth having. Think of it like asking about seatbelt use or bike helmets — it’s all part of keeping kids safe.
If there’s one takeaway from Amy’s story, it’s this: nursing skills don’t clock out when your shift ends. Whether you’re at the grocery store, on a plane, or, in Amy’s case, at home, you might find yourself in a situation where your training could save a life.
For Amy, her quick thinking and expertise bridged the critical gap between the moment of injury and the arrival of emergency services. That’s something all of us in nursing can relate to — the ability to stay calm and use our knowledge when someone needs it most.
He was airlifted to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, where he underwent surgery and was stabilized. As of the latest reports, he remains in critical but stable condition, and the family has understandably asked for privacy during this difficult time. The Eustis Police Chief and the family have both expressed gratitude for the support and prayers from the community.
Nurses as Educators and Advocates
This story is a reminder of the dual role we play as nurses: caregivers in emergencies and educators in prevention. Whether you work in a hospital, clinic, or community setting, you have the power to advocate for safer environments for children.
If you’re looking for ways to help, consider these tips for discussing firearm safety with families:
- Make it routine: Treat firearm safety like any other part of a health assessment. It’s easier for families to hear the message if it’s framed as standard practice.
- Be nonjudgmental: Approach the topic without assumptions or blame. The goal is to offer practical guidance, not criticism.
- Share resources: Point families to tools like cable locks, safes, and free local programs that promote safe storage.
Amy’s story reminds us why this work matters. A few minutes of education or a simple conversation could prevent tragedies like this from happening.
So, whether you’re on duty or off, remember: your nursing skills are always with you, and your voice as an advocate can ripple far beyond the bedside.
