By Joanna Putman
Police1
HARRISON TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A police officer and EMTs can be seen in body camera video rescuing a choking toddler, NBC Philadelphia reported.
Maureen O’Laughlin was driving with her 20-month-old grandson, Oliver, when she noticed he was struggling to breathe and turning blue.
She immediately pulled over and got Oliver out of the backseat while calling for help, according to the report. Cpl. Kevin McGowan of the Harrison Township Police Department was responding to an unrelated call for service but stopped to help when he saw the vehicle pulled to the side of the road with the rear door open.
By the time McGowan reached them, Oliver was unconscious, according to the report. McGowan performed several back blows, but Oliver’s airway remained blocked.
O’Laughlin’s car had been parked in front of the Gloucester County EMS station, according to the report. EMT Jenine Ellena noticed the incident from the parking lot and ran over to assist.
With the assistance of her partner, EMT Richard Kennedy, Ellena was able to remove the blockage, allowing Oliver to breathe.
Oliver was taken to the hospital as a precaution but was released and is doing well, according to the report.
“Cpl. McGowan’s quick actions and calm administration of first aid saved precious time that allowed for he and EMTs Ellena/Kennedy to work together and save the child’s life,” Harrison Township Police Chief Ronald Cundey said in a statement. “Their efforts, along with the other emergency services personnel that arrived to assist, reflect greatly on the training and dedication that they possess.”
Oliver’s grandfather, who worked in policing for 30 years before recently retiring, also wrote to thank McGowan for his part in the rescue, according to the report.
“Thanks to you, your training, your quick action – you saved Ollie,” he said.