Prompt use of CPR was credited Monday with helping to save the life of a 5-year-old boy who was pulled from a swimming pool at a Glendale apartment complex, authorities said.

Firefighters said the incident underscores the importance of free CPR training that the Glendale Fire Department will offer to the public May 31.

Firefighter Daniel Valenzuela, a department spokesman, said the Glendale boy was in the water for at least a minute when a babysitter removed the child from the pool and began administrating cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

"The boy was crying when firefighters arrived," Valenzuela said. "That's always a great sign. We really think that CPR helped this child."

The incident happened about 1:30 p.m. Sunday at an apartment complex near 51st and Eugie avenues, not far from Banner Thunderbird Medical Center, Valenzuela said.

The child was taken to that hospital, then transferred to Phoenix Children's Hospital, where he remained Monday for further treatment.

Witnesses related that about four adults and seven children were using the pool when people apparently lost track of the little boy, Valenzuela said.

"This turned into a life-and-death situation," he added.

Valenzuela said the incident serves as a springboard for CPR training that will be offered to as many as 150 volunteers.

The four-hour class will be taught starting at 5 p.m. May 31 at the Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center, 5600 W. Union Hills Drive. To sign up, phone Glendale firefighters at (623) 930-3409. Subscribe to The Arizona Republic for 50% off the newsstand price!

Reproduced with permission from: The Arizona Republic By Brent Whiting ©Copyright 2007 Arizona Republic