Hillsborough County, FL (Jan 25, 2026) — A dramatic lifesaving effort unfolded on Interstate 275 when Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies and an alert bystander performed emergency CPR on a 4-year-old boy who was found unresponsive, not breathing, and without a pulse. The quick action helped keep the child alive until paramedics could take over and transport him to St. Joseph’s Hospital, where he is now reported in stable condition.

This incident reinforces a powerful reality: CPR saves lives — especially when started immediately by trained public responders.

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What Happened on I-275?

On the evening of January 24, Hillsborough County deputies responded to a “person down” call on Interstate 275 near Tampa. When they arrived on the scene, the young boy was unresponsive and had no detectable pulse.

A bystander was already performing CPR, and deputies quickly joined in, continuing chest compressions until Tampa Fire Rescue crews could take over lifesaving measures. The child was then taken to the hospital in stable condition.

This real-life rescue highlights just how critical immediate bystander CPR and coordinated response can be when every second counts.

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Why This Florida CPR Story Matters

Immediate CPR Makes the Difference

When someone stops breathing and their heart stops beating, brain damage can begin in as little as 3–5 minutes without oxygen. Performing CPR helps maintain vital blood flow until professional help arrives — and can literally mean the difference between life and death.

Training and Preparedness Save Lives

In this Hillsborough County case, a bystander already started CPR before deputies arrived — showing the impact that even basic CPR knowledge can have in a community emergency. Deputies continued compressions, stabilizing the child until paramedics arrived and transported him for further care.

Florida Families Should Be Ready

Florida is home to families, schools, community events, and thousands of everyday moments where the unexpected can happen. This incident is a powerful reminder that:

• Cardiac emergencies can occur anywhere, at any age
• Anyone nearby can be the person who steps in first
• CPR and AED readiness are essential skills in every neighborhood

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Learn CPR and Be Prepared to Act

This inspiring Hillsborough County rescue isn’t just a news headline — it’s a call to action. CPR isn’t only for first responders. Parents, teachers, grandparents, coaches, and neighbors can all make a lifesaving difference by knowing what to do.

Why Get CPR Certified?

• You’ll know how to perform high-quality chest compressions
• You’ll be ready to use an AED confidently
• You’ll be prepared to help before help arrives

👉 Sign up for an In-Pulse CPR course in Florida today and build muscle memory, confidence, and lifesaving skills that prepare you to act when it counts most.

Don’t wait for an emergency — be the person who saves a life.