MITCHELL — Ashley Hobbs started her day on a positive note in early January. She participated in hosting a First Friday Coffee event at the new United Way office located in the BankWest building on North Sanborn. After the event, she engaged in paperwork at her office, focusing intently without any distractions from her phone or Apple Watch.
Upon checking her phone later, she discovered a flurry of urgent messages and missed calls from her husband, Kyle, including one from the daycare provider, Rose Menning, signaling an emergency situation that required her immediate attention.
Rushing to Avera Queen of Peace Hospital, Hobbs was met with a distressing scene that unfolded into every mother’s nightmare. Her 3-month-old son, Declan, had encountered a medical crisis while under Menning’s care at Menning Family Daycare and Preschool.
Menning, a seasoned daycare provider with 37 years of experience, acted swiftly when she noticed Declan in distress. Despite her extensive background in childcare, the situation was unprecedented for her.
Utilizing her CPR training acquired over the years, Menning sprang into action when she found Declan unresponsive. Her quick and decisive measures, including CPR and alerting emergency services, played a crucial role in reviving Declan and ensuring his stability until medical help arrived.
The timely intervention by Menning proved instrumental in saving Declan’s life, as confirmed by Hobbs and medical professionals involved in the incident.
In response to this harrowing experience, the Hobbs family established the Declan Hobbs CPR Fund through the United Way. The fund aims to sponsor CPR training for daycare providers and teachers in the community, promoting preparedness for emergency situations similar to Declan’s.
Menning’s dedication to regular CPR training and her composed demeanor during the crisis underscore the importance of being equipped to handle unforeseen emergencies, particularly in childcare settings.
The narrative of Declan’s rescue serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of CPR training for individuals across various sectors, emphasizing the potential life-saving impact of such preparedness measures.
The heartening outcome of Declan’s ordeal, his subsequent return to health and happiness, and the proactive initiative taken by the Hobbs family and Menning exemplify the community’s resilience and commitment to safety.
As the community rallies around the cause of CPR awareness and training, the heroic actions of Menning resonate as a testament to the profound impact of readiness and swift response in critical situations.