MOUNT KISCO, NY — A Westchester County police officer is being hailed as a hero after he revived a baby who had stopped breathing.
The dramatic story took place in the early morning hours 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, just before 2 a.m. When he arrived at the scene, Officer Stephen Samuel took the infant from frantic relatives and began CPR. He also turned the baby over and administered several back blows to discharge anything that might be blocking her airway.
The child remained unresponsive as he continued his efforts, but a short time later, Officer Samuel noticed 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 Officer Emanuel Anjo checked her mouth for any obstructions. Offier Anjo was able to remove excess mucus from the child’s mouth to help improve her breathing.
A Westchester EMS paramedic and members of the Mount Kisco Volunteer Ambulance Corps arrived on scene to take over and take the child to Northern Westchester Hospital Center.
Around 4:30 a.m., the same morning, the officers stopped by the hospital, spoke with family members and hospital staff, and found out 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 in a statement praising the officers. "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."
