‘Very proud’: 7-year-old helps save teenage cousin having seizure in pool

SULPHUR, La. (KPLC/Gray News) - A doorbell camera captured the moment a 7-year-old Louisiana boy sprang into action to help save his cousin’s life after the teenager had a seizure while swimming in their grandmother’s pool.

Carter Chretien, 7, was helping his grandmother prep her backyard pool for the summer last Saturday when he noticed something was wrong with his teenage cousin, Gabe.

“Gabe was over there doing some tricks, and he was making those groaning noises, and then, he just had a seizure in the pool,” Carter said.

Carter immediately alerted his godmother, Allison Bishop, who jumped into the pool to keep Gabe afloat. He then ran next door to get his parents. It was a 20-yard sprint that helped save a life.

“I went in the door, told my mom and dad Gabe was having a seizure,” he said.

Carter’s father, Nicholas Chretien, and other adults rushed over to help prop up the over 6-foot teen for nearly an hour before they could get him out of the pool with the help of the Houston River Fire Department.

Bishop says the situation was terrifying.

“As a mother, watching your child be in something like that is extremely stressful and terrifying,” she said. “Seeing my son under the water for five seconds isn’t exactly something I want to ever see again.”

For Carter’s quick thinking and bravery, Houston River Fire awarded him a Certificate of Life Saving, a badge and a challenge coin. Even caught on camera saying he was scared, the 7-year-old never stopped doing what needed to be done.

“Very proud, very proud,” his father said. “My chest is definitely stuck out a little further than usual.”

Chretien says the family has always made a point to educate their kids about seizures since multiple family members are prone to them – and he believes that’s exactly why Carter knew what to do.

“You don’t have to do mass amounts of research, but do a little research. Know the warning signs,” he said.

Bishop echoed that message.

“Anybody that’s got seizures or any type of disorders, just make sure they have a good backing,” she said. “Do the research, do the work, because they deserve to have a regular life just like anybody else.”

As for Carter, he says he just did what he was supposed to do – and he still has his sights set on becoming a zookeeper.

Carter was recognized by Houston River Fire on the same day as his school’s awards day, where he earned honor roll and an Accelerated Reader reading award, making it a double celebration for the Chretien family.