Kawerau Fire Station was the scene of an emotional reunion this week, with all eyes on a cheerful toddler, who just two months ago faced an uncertain future after drowning in a spa pool.

In late November, Te Hurikino Sisley-Lal slipped past family members and got into the spa as it was being filled. He was airlifted to hospital in an induced coma, which he remained in for six days.

Te Hurikino, who turns two next week, was the picture of health on Wednesday as he ran around the fire station.

His survival can be attributed to numerous people, from his teenaged whānau members who pulled him from the water, started CPR and called 111, to St John staff and career firefighters who took over, and rescue helicopter crews and hospital staff who continued his medical care.

Te Hurikino’s mum, Miharo Sisley, was out of town for the night and said she was incredibly proud of her siblings for springing into action.

“It pulls on the heartstrings when I think of my little siblings saving my son’s life.”

Ms Sisley’s 13-year-old sister was the one to pull Te Hurikino from the water, and her then 17-year-old brother Takurua Tarau started CPR.

Takurua had completed a first aid course just two weeks prior, which covered how to administer CPR to adults, children and babies.

He was aided by guidance from 111 call takers, relayed to him by his 19-year-old brother.

Their mother, Riria Kira, said she and her husband were also present, but it was the actions of the teens that saved her first mokopuna (grandchild).

Upon receiving the call about her baby, Ms Sisley and her girlfriend rushed to Hamilton from Auckland to meet the helicopter at Waikato Hospital.

Te Hurikino was airlifted to Starship Hospital, where Ms Sisley said the care was top notch and Ronald McDonald House meant they could stay close to the hospital.

She wanted to stress the importance of keeping a close eye on children around water.

“Anything can happen in an instant – and it’s nobody’s fault.”

Ms Sisley said first aid was an invaluable tool for people to learn, as evidenced by her brother having the confidence to start CPR on his nephew.

Kawerau station officer Grant Martin said Takurua’s actions kept oxygen flowing to his nephew’s brain.

“I am 100 percent sure that he saved his life.”

Takurua now has his sights set on becoming a career firefighter, though St John would like to see him join their ranks, too. He turned 18 yesterday.

Mr Martin said the message was that any CPR was better than no CPR.

St John EMT Lisa Sarsfield, who also responded to the call and used to teach first aid, echoes this message.

“I’ve always said on my first aid courses that it doesn’t matter how good we are, how fast we are or how trained we are, if nothing happens at the very beginning.”

Wednesday was a rare occasion for the first responders who played a vital role in resuscitating young Te Hurikino, because privacy laws mean they do not often get updates on patients’ outcomes.

Seeing Te Hurikino in person for the first time since he was loaded into the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter was “healing”.

The firefighters who successfully resuscitated Te Hurikino are both fathers to similar aged children and did not know until last week what had happened to him.

When they arrived at the scene, Te Hurikino was not breathing, did not have a pulse, and seemed lifeless.

Senior firefighter Adam O’Connor did chest compressions on the boy until he let out a cry, and EMTs confirmed they had found a pulse.

“Getting the cry was a big relief.

“I definitely gave my daughter a longer hug when I got home after that shift.”

Mr O’Connor said firefighters often responded to calls about cardiac arrests, but it was rare for the patient to be so young.

“To see him running around again, fully healthy, is pretty special.”

Senior firefighter Paul Newbold worked on Te Hurikino’s airway until he was in the care of the helicopter crew.

He said the team snapped into action every time a call came in, but everyone was extremely heightened when they heard the words “one-year-old” and “drowning.”

Mr Newbold said the day was very emotional for him and it was the job that had hit him the hardest in his career.

He was grateful to have the opportunity to see Te Hurikino again, and also to his boss, Mr Martin, for seeking answers about the toddler’s health and ensuring the team were okay after such an emotional experience.

“I think that is a huge credit to him. He talked to our wives; he was definitely looking out for us, knowing that we had young kids at home.

“He didn’t have to do it, but he did.”

Te Hurikino is back to full health and seems not to have lost any of his adventurous spirit or love of the water.

His whānau are working hard to ensure that everyone – including the adults – stay happy and confident around the water, because enjoying the outdoors is a huge part of their lives.