ELMONT, Long Island (PIX11) — For the second time this holiday season, an off-duty NYPD officer saved a choking baby — both remarkably similar rescues used some of the basic training cops are taught at the Academy.
“They were around when my mother had cancer, so I mean they’ve always been around, and I was just glad that I was able to be there for them this time,” said NYPD Officer Freddy Cerpa.
Cerpa’s longtime neighbors in Elmont on Long Island hysterically banged on his door as he was getting ready for work at the 43rd precinct a couple of weeks ago.
“I went out and saw the mom frantically carrying the baby lifeless in her arms,” Cerpa recounted for reporters inside police headquarters. “I immediately reached out, grabbed the baby, and began backslapping. Once I did the backslaps, I turned around to check for any obstructions in her throat. I didn’t find any obstructions, so I did some more back taps. At that point, I felt her chest go up and down, meaning that she’s starting to breathe again– and instantly it was just relief.”
The one-year-old had been suffering from a bad cold and appeared to have choked on her own mucus.
“I myself have a little sister, and she’s about the same age, so I can only imagine how that must’ve felt for them,” the Officer said. “I mean, my little sister is my world.”
This is the second similar recent save for a member of the NYPD.
About two weeks ago, Detective First Grade Michael Greaney was captured on a TikTok video on the side of the Bronx River Parkway, saving an eight-month-old baby with the same firm back patting technique.
Cerpa is only seven months out of the academy and said they get trained on the back slaps for young ones, along with the Heimlich maneuver and using the AED machine.
“I never thought I’d have to use it, but I’m glad that they taught us at the Academy how to use it,” he said.”Amazing feeling to know that I hope to save a little girl’s life before Christmas.”
A number of fire departments across the Tri-State, including the FDNY, offer free training and information about what to do when someone is choking. The American Red Cross is another great resource.