(WWJ) A small child's life was saved thanks to the quick and decisive actions of deputies and firefighters in Oakland County.
The Oakland County Sheriff's Office says a 911 call came in on Sept. 28 about a 10-month-old infant who was unconscious and not breathing at a home in the 100 block of Parkdale Avenue in Pontiac.
First responders began CPR, but -- due to the baby's condition -- the decision was made to take the child to McLaren Oakland Hospital immediately instead of waiting for an ambulance to arrive.
Two Waterford Regional Firefighters loaded the child into the backseat of a patrol car and continued to perform CPR, while an OCOS deputy drove to the hospital. As part of a team effort, other deputies assisted with traffic to clear a path for the patrol car to get to the hospital as safely and as swiftly as possible.
Sheriff Michael Bouchard said the child was able to be resuscitated due to the life-saving actions performed.
"Watching the dashcam footage of our deputies and firefighters working hand-in-hand together to save the life of an innocent 10-month-old child demonstrates the heart and soul of our first responders," said Sheriff Michael Bouchard, in a statement. "I am incredibly proud of these heroes for relying on their instincts and training during this very stressful moment and I commend them for their quick-thinking and partnership."
As a follow-up to the incident, detectives interviewed doctors and it was determined the child had choked on something and went into cardiac arrest. After deputies interviewed the parents, it was discovered that the baby may have found drug paraphernalia in a trash can and ingested it.
Sheriff's officials say Children's Protective Services was notified of the incident, and the investigation is ongoing.
