| Updated: 10/17/2012 10:12 am |
Published: 10/16/2012 4:50 pm
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A reflex-reaction saves the life of a baby boy in Tulsa after a family outing turned into a near-death experience for an infant and his older sister.
The Nassif family went to Woodward Park on Thursday to take some family photos. They were up on a rocky ledge when the unthinkable happened
"Our eldest son has lost his balance and went over the rail and when he went over, his leg went up and kicked his little sister who was holding her little brother,” says mom, Jessica Hughes.
8-year old Dani used her body to shield her 5-month-old brother, Michael as they tumbled down a rocky path to the dirt floor below.
"The first thing that came to my mind was that I have to hold my baby brother, and I would never let him get hurt,” says Dani.
"Me and her dad were so loud that a police officer across the street heard us and came over,” says Jessica.
The two children were rushed to Saint Francis Hospital where a CT scan was performed. Surprisingly, their only injuries were bruises on Dani’s knee and elbow and a small bruise on Michael’s head.
"Anyone's reaction would be to throw your arms out and catch yourself,” says Jessica.
But Dani, had the sense to stay calm and hang on tight to her baby brother.
"I didn't want him to get hurt because I care about him a lot,” says Dani.
Despite their frightening experience, the family says it won’t keep them from coming back to Woodward Park. They’re just going to be much more careful where they take pictures in the future.
According to Safe Kids, in 2009, 56% of fall-related deaths were among children 4 and under.
