Brothers Save 2-Year-Old from Near-Drowning Incident

By JENNIFER CIPRIANO
Jennifer Cipriano

“It was just a normal day,” 18-year-old Kenneth Troche explained, “We were at home like any other day.”  

However, this day turned out to be anything but normal. 

In late July, Kenneth Troche was at home with his family when he heard his mom screaming.  Kenneth and his brother, Kemuel Troche, ran outside to find their 2-year-old nephew, Yaniel Riviera, being held, lifeless, in their mother’s arms.  The child had accessed their family pool and was found unresponsive in the water. Yaniel was unconscious and blue. In that moment, the brothers recognized that immediate action was necessary for the child’s survival. 

Kenneth and Kemuel quickly worked together to start CPR. Kemuel started chest compressions and Kenneth started rescue breaths while a family member called 9-1-1. The brothers continued to provide Basic Life Support and were able to resuscitate Yaniel before the ambulance arrived. Kenneth and Kemuel’s quick actions and knowledge of CPR saved the life of their nephew. They credit their success to their prior training and to those who have taught them along the way.

Both Kenneth and Kemuel became CPR certified through the Academy of Health at Lake Gibson High School and currently maintain certification through their employment. The brothers currently work for Lakeland Regional Health: Kenneth Troche is a Patient Care Assistant and Kemuel Troche is a Rehabilitation Coach. Although they have been CPR certified for some time and work in a hospital setting, this was the first time they performed CPR as rescuers. 

Kemuel explained, “I have been around emergency situations in the hospital, but it’s completely different when it’s your family member.  I really had to put my emotions aside and focus on my training. My brother Kenneth helped me stay focused so we could do what we needed to.”   

Kenneth attributed his ability to help his brother focus to his teachers at Lake Gibson High. “They taught me how to focus and not get distracted or emotional in an emergency. I owe all of my knowledge, skills and preparation to them.” After the accident, Kenneth Troche said he knew he wanted to work in the medical field and joined the LRH team about one month later. He said he aspires to become a Pediatrician.

Before Kemuel Troche became a Rehabilitation Coach, he worked as a Patient Care Assistant on the cardiac unit at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center and plans to pursue a career as a Physical Therapy Assistant. 

Karel and Yaniel Riviera

Their nephew, Yaniel, is healthy and has fully recovered from the accident.  Kenneth and Kemuel Troche urge community members to learn CPR, regardless of medical background or profession. The brothers explained, “Invest in your CPR certification and if there is information out there about saving lives, listen and learn in every opportunity you come across. You never know when you are going to need it.” 

Currently, Florida ranks third in the nation for unintentional drownings and Polk County ranks second in the state. 

Quick facts about drowning:

  • Drowning is the leading cause of injury death in children ages 1-4.
  • 69% of all drowning accidents among children age 4 and younger happen during non-swim times.
  • Drowning can happen quickly and silently, occur in less than 30 seconds and in less than 1 inch of water.

Let’s work together to improve these statistics by making water safety a No. 1 priority! 

For more information on water safety and preventative measures, click here:

Sources: Florida Department of Health,
American Academy of Pediatrics & Water Smart Florida

About the Author

Jennifer Cipriano, BSN, RN, CMSRN, is the Trauma Continuum of Care Coordinator for Lakeland Regional Health and is a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician.

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