A police officer in Ashland, Ohio, has been credited with saving a toddler’s life, thanks to his CPR training.
23-year-old Officer Soren Osicka was lauded for his heroic actions in rescuing the 3-year-old girl, who stopped breathing after falling and hitting her head.
Ashland police said they received a 9-1-1 call on January 8, around 9:10 p.m., where a woman could be heard screaming for help in the background.
Upon arrival at a residence on Cottage Street, officers encountered a panicked mother carrying her unresponsive 3-year-old daughter, who had ceased breathing after a head injury.
Without hesitation, Officer Osicka initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to provide the essential circulation and oxygen needed to sustain the child’s life.
The Ashland Police Department confirmed that the girl began breathing on her own within seconds but abruptly stopped again.
Undeterred, Officer Osicka continued administering CPR until the toddler resumed breathing and became responsive.
Officers then carefully transported the child to the ambulance when emergency medical services arrived to take her to the hospital.
Fortunately, the young girl has since recovered and returned home. The Ashland Police Department commended Officer Osicka’s selfless and heroic actions in a press release, stressing the importance of CPR training.
The department plans to undergo refresher training to better prepare its officers for similar scenarios.
“This incident emphasizes the importance of CPR training. We encourage everyone to become certified in CPR, as these lifesaving skills can make a significant difference in emergencies like this one,” stated the Ashland Police Department in their official statement.
The press release also acknowledged the selfless efforts of Osicka and other first responders at the scene.
“The selfless actions of public safety personnel often go unnoticed. This incident is a shining example of the compassion, poise, and dedication of the officers of the Ashland Police Division. Officer Osicka’s heroic actions remind us of law enforcement’s invaluable role in our communities,” the statement concluded.
