Sheriff’s Sergeant Saves Unconscious Infant's Life

A county Sheriff’s sergeant and two deputies saved the life of a 1-year-old infant who had stopped breathing Sunday afternoon, according to the Sheriff’s Lieutenant Larry Schumaker.

A call came into the San Mateo County Sheriff’s dispatch center from a frantic mother saying that her baby, Antonio, was unconscious and not breathing, Schumaker said.

Sergeat Al Elzey was patrolling the area just four blocks away from a home on the 2900 block of Fair Oaks Avenueand was the first on scene.

“The parents ran out of the house and literally handed off the baby to him,” Schumaker said.

Using his regularly administered first aid and CPR training, Elzey noticed that something was lodged in the infant’s throat. Rather than performing the Heimlich maneuver—which is meant for adults--, the sergeant turned the baby over and gave it some quick, sharp pats on the back.

Whatever was lodged in the boy’s throat was freed and the baby regained consciousness.

Deputy Gaby Chaghouri subsequently arrived on scene and did a finger sweep of the baby’s mouth to ensure that nothing else was blocking its throat. Paramedic Frank dal Porto also arrived and transported the baby to a local hospital.

Doctors and paramedics theorize that the baby had a high fever causing a seizure and lodging the baby’s tongue back in his throat, Schumaker said.

“The parents were very appreciative and initially had no idea what to do [with their choking infant],” Schumaker said.

“We’re heroes every day,” Schumaker said. “But this was truly a day where [Elzey] got to show that he is a hero.”

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