DELTONA, FL – In a swift response to a distressing incident, Volusia County deputies saved the life of a 5-year-old girl who accidentally shot herself in the leg. The incident occurred this afternoon in a Deltona residence.
Upon receiving the emergency call, deputies arrived at a home on Boxelder Street to find the young girl alert but bleeding heavily from a gunshot wound. The injury resulted from the child accessing a shotgun stored under a family member’s bed.
Deputies Maletto, Kagle, Williams, Estrada, and Rodriguez acted immediately, providing first aid and applying a tourniquet to the injured limb. Their prompt and efficient care enabled them to transport the child to Deltona Fire Rescue.
The girl was then rushed to Arnold Palmer Hospital for further medical treatment. Hospital staff acknowledged that the deputies’ rapid response and effective use of a tourniquet were pivotal in saving the child’s life.
Sheriff Mike Chitwood praised the deputies for their exemplary and compassionate service.
Recognizing their heroic actions, Chitwood announced plans to award medals to the deputies for their life-saving efforts in this critical situation.