By Mitch Hotts
Voice News, New Baltimore, Mich.
STERLING HEIGHTS — A Sterling Heights police officer is being hailed as a hero for his rapid response that saved a 1-year-old child who was unresponsive from a choking emergency at home.
Evidence Technician Officer Matt Virgadamo was in the area when the emergency call was placed about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday from a home in the 8400 block of 18 Mile Road, according to the Sterling Heights Police Department.
Virgadamo arrived a minute after receiving the 911 call and found the unresponsive child, named Roman, being held by his mother, who was standing outside the house.
“He’s not breathing!” the mother said, handing the baby over to the officer.
Virgadamo, who police said remained calm during the incident, turned the boy over and administered several back blows. Within seconds, the child expelled a liquid from the child’s airway and he began breathing again and crying, police said in a news release.
Medics from the Sterling Heights Fire Department arrived and provided advanced medical care before transporting Roman to a hospital for further treatment.
The boy’s mother told officers that the child had been ill recently and was being treated at home. She said he had been lying on the sofa when he suddenly stopped breathing, prompting her to call 911.
Two other officers also responded to the scene and remained with the family’s other child until their father arrived at the house in an effort to make sure the family was supported during a stressful situation, police said.
Sterling Heights Police Chief Andy Satterfield praised Virgadamo’s decisive and quick actions.
“Officer Virgadamo’s response represents policing at its very best,” the chief said. “His ability to arrive quickly, remain composed, and immediately take lifesaving action quite literally made the difference between life and death for this child. We are incredibly proud of his professionalism, training, and dedication to serving this community.”
The event marked the second baby saved from a choking incident by a Sterling Heights police officer in the past month.
On Nov. 1, Officer Edwar Talia rescued a 5-month-old boy who began choking while being nursed at the Walmart on Van Dyke Avenue.
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