Arizona Toddler Found Alive Hours After Being Declared Dead

An Arizona toddler, initially declared dead following a near-drowning incident in February, was discovered to be alive hours later in a hospital's "cold room," which serves as the morgue. Police records released this week detail that two Gilbert police officers observed multiple signs of life in the child. Despite these observations, the toddler was transported to the hospital and subsequently placed in the "cold room" after receiving treatment from medical staff. The incident highlights a critical lapse in the initial assessment and subsequent handling of the child's condition. The specific date of the incident was not provided, but the police records were recently made public. The case underscores the importance of thorough and repeated medical evaluations, especially in critical situations involving young children. Further details regarding the hospital's internal review or any potential disciplinary actions have not yet been released. The near-drowning occurred in a backyard pool, leading to the initial emergency response and the child's transport to the hospital. The subsequent discovery in the morgue room raises significant questions about the protocols followed by both emergency responders and hospital personnel.