POCAHONTAS, Ark. — Local and state officials recognized Randolph County first responders, paramedics, and family members Tuesday for their efforts in saving the life of Scarlett Young, a three-year-old girl who survived a near-drowning in early May.

On May 2, 2026, Randolph County E911 received a report just before noon that Scarlett, then two years old, had slipped into a pond, was found unresponsive, and was not breathing. Her father, Garrett Young, said she had wandered outside while he was supervising her. A family member quickly found Scarlett in the water and began administering CPR.

"My stepsister found her and pulled her out," Garrett Young said during the award ceremony. "She immediately got her on the ground and started CPR. Within probably 30 seconds to a minute, Scarlett was doing short little breaths."

Family members worked to stabilize Scarlett until Randolph County Deputy Brian Alexander arrived on the scene and took over CPR. Soon after, paramedics transported Scarlett to Le Bonheur Children's Hospital in Memphis. Two days later, she was discharged and returned home with her family, defying the odds.

Deputy Alexander spoke about the emotional intensity of the situation. "When you get something like that, or a tragic accident like this, my first reaction is ... you start praying," he said.

Family members referred to Scarlett’s recovery as miraculous. Belinda Ward, her grandmother, shared, "I just tell everybody — I know I witnessed a miracle that day. I know God saved her, and ... it was just the work of everybody all together."

Ken Kelley, CEO of ProMed Ambulance, credited the quick actions of everyone involved in the rescue. "It literally took everybody from the immediate family that recognized the emergency, to the dispatcher, to everybody in the length of the chain," he said, adding that such cases often have far more tragic outcomes.

The Arkansas Department of Health and the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office presented awards to each individual who played a role in saving Scarlett’s life. However, for Deputy Alexander, the moment meant more than recognition.

"To see her smiling, it makes your heart smile," he said. "And it makes it worth it all."

The ceremony served as both a celebration of teamwork and a testament to the crucial role of first responders and informed citizens in emergencies.