A Westchester County police officer revived a baby who had stopped breathing yesterday when he performed CPR and provided other lifesaving care until the infant began breathing on her own again.
The incident unfolded about 1:50 a.m. Thursday when County Police received a 911 call reporting that a 1-year-old was non-responsive and not breathing at a residence in Mount Kisco. Upon arrival, PO Stephen Samuel took the infant from frantic relatives and began CPR. In addition, he turned the baby over and administered several back blows to discharge anything that might be blocking her airway.
The child remained unresponsive and he continued his efforts. A short time later, PO Samuel observed the child take a breath and then heard her let out a faint cry. He continued to hold her face down in a recovery position while a second officer, PO Emanuel Anjo, checked her mouth for any obstructions. PO Anjo was able to remove excess mucus from the child’s mouth to improve her breathing.
A Westchester EMS paramedic and members of the Mount Kisco Volunteer Ambulance Corps arrived on scene to take over care and transport the child to Northern Westchester Hospital Center.
About 4:30 a.m. the same morning, the officers stopped by the hospital, spoke with family members and medical staff, and learned that the little girl was doing well and would be discharged later in the day.
“When every second counted, it is gratifying to know that this child and her family could count on the Westchester County Police,” Commissioner Terrance Raynor said. “Our officers are trained to provide emergency aid, and this is the outcome we always hope to see. I commend these two officers for the skillful and decisive actions they took to save this child’s life.”
