Two New Castle County Police officers administered aid and removed an airway obstruction to a choking 1-year old child on Thursday May 7, 2015, saving the youngster's life.
The NCCPD officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Richards Lane, Newark, in reference to a young child that was choking. Officers Jennifer Escheman and Anthony Frye responded and upon arrival discovered the child to be limp, having difficulty breathing, and gurgling. The officers knew from training that those symptoms can indicate a possible airway obstruction. Officer Escheman took the child and began to administer back blows as indicated with a child of this size.
After several attempts the child began to cry indicating that the airway was open and obstruction removed. The New Castle County Paramedics arrived and continued treatment with a subsequent transport to Christiana Hospital.
The New Castle County Paramedics on scene advised that the officer’s first aid intervention and quick thinking improved the child’s well-being.
All New Castle County Police officers receive first responder training every year from the New Castle County Paramedics Division. This is an exemplary use of that training and quick thinking by the officers who responded.
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