SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. – A Spokane Valley Sheriff’s Deputy is being credited with saving a newborn baby’s life in Spokane Valley in January.
According to officials, on January 20 around 1:15 a.m., Deputies Derek McNall and Clay Hilton responded to a medical call of a child not breathing near East Mansfield Avenue and East Shannon Avenue in Spokane Valley.
Deputy McNall, who is still in training, had just cleared a call with Deputy Hilton and were the first to arrive on scene. Once on scene they found two parents, obviously worried, holding their 2-month-old infant. The infant was unresponsive and blue in the face.
"It's not something you probably ever want to see. It's kind of scary," said Deputy McNall.
McNall quickly began lifesaving efforts, and soon the baby began breathing and crying.
"Just, get him breathing. that's all i was focused on was getting him to breathe," said McNall. "I laid him on the ground, opened his airway...until he started breathing."
Officials said the baby began choking while being fed, and appeared unharmed. The parents, who requested privacy, are extremely thankful for Deputy McNall’s and Deputy Hilton’s quick actions.
McNall said it's not uncommon to find a child choking, and often all it takes is a finger sweep to clear the airway.