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TORONTO - For the second time in 8-year-old Joey O'Brien's life, a Stat MedEvac helicopter carried the boy through the sky above the Gem City. However, the Toronto boy's experience on Tuesday was more pleasurable than his first.

Sunday begins Emergency Medical Services Week, and as part of stressing the importance of safety to the community, officials from TEMS Joint Ambulance District joined those from STAT MedEvac to honor the man who helped save O'Brien's life one year ago.

Twenty-year-old Aaron Mosti was the lifeguard on duty at the War Memorial Pool on June 11 when O'Brien struck his head on the side rail of the pool, according to Clark Crago, chief of TEMS-JAD.

Mosti pulled the child from the water, had someone call 911 and began resuscitating him.

For his heroic actions, Mosti was awarded a key to the city by Mayor John Geddis Tuesday at Clarke Hinkle Stadium.

O'Brien was transported after the accident by Stat MedEvac to Pittsburgh Children's Hospital. And crew members returned to Toronto Tuesday to reunite with their former patient.

Tammy Weaver, regional coordinator and flight nurse with STAT MedEvac, explained it isn't often a crew has the opportunity to see their patients again.

"This is the rewarding part of the job," Weaver said. "We usually just see our patients during the most critical times in their life."

But on Tuesday, those from STAT MedEvac and TEMS-JAD witnessed a smiling, healthy and appreciative boy who was given the chance to ride once again in the helicopter.

To begin EMS Week, TEMS and STAT MedEvac partnered to arrange for O'Brien to fly with STAT MedEvac.

"Since he doesn't remember his maiden flight with them, this should be quite an adventure," Crago stated. "We're glad to make this trip possible and celebrate his full recovery, especially in light of how the ordeal could have ended."

O'Brien's mother, Beth Clark, stated she is appreciative of everything.

She noted the incident was terrifying and left her and her family "scared to death."

"We were all terrified going up to the pool," she commented of first hearing of the accident. "And Aaron was just wonderful. This is very nice for what they are doing here today for us and for Aaron, too."

Mosti said receiving the key to the city and a plaque awarded to him by Stat MedEvac for saving the life of a child "was not needed," but is appreciated.

Mosti has been a lifeguard for three years and has been an EMT for 15 months. However, he doesn't take all the credit. He thanked TEMS for its "quick response" and the two nurses that were there to assist O'Brien.

"This is truly a testament to Aaron's training in both EMT and lifeguarding," Geddis said. "It's so good to see young people dedicating themselves to helping others, and we are proud to present him with the key to the city for his valor."

Safety is being stressed to all throughout the Ohio Valley, according to Crago.

"There's no question that Mosti's quick response saved Joey's life. But another huge factor is that a rescue plan was in place before the accident happened."

Weaver stated drowning remains the second leading cause of injury-related death among children ages 1-14 and the leading cause of injury-related death among children ages 1-4.

Because the pool and lake season begins soon, officials wanted to make the public aware that tragedy can strike even the smallest of places, such as Toronto.

In addition to O'Brien, Crago said TEMS responded to an accident involving a 38-year-old male last year who was paralyzed in a fresh water diving accident.

"Anytime a child is near water, adults need to plan for the unexpected," Crago continued. "Be alert. Rule No. 1 is children should always be supervised - within an arm's length if the child is younger than 5. Confirm the availability and location of life-saving equipment such as a shepherd's hook, a life preserver and telephone. And lastly, learn CPR."

TEMS-JAD offers classes to the public at their station, and anyone needing information should call (740) 537-3891.

(Ghrist can be contacted at jstenger@heraldstaronline.com.)