Two detectives from the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) are being lauded as heroes after their quick actions saved the life of a choking baby outside University Health Hospital on Feb. 11.
Their heroic response was captured by the hospital’s surveillance system.
As seen on the footage shared by KCPD, Detectives Lauren Montgomery and Brett Ussary were leaving the hospital when they noticed a family in distress in the parking garage.
Detective Montgomery, clad in a gray jacket, immediately sprang into action as she administered back blows to the choking and unresponsive baby.
Back blows, according to Mayo Clinic, are a crucial first aid technique used to dislodge blockages in an infant’s airway, allowing them to breathe again.
The KCPD described the panicked state of the parents as they arrived at the hospital entrance seeking urgent help for their child.
“The parents were frantic,” the department wrote on X.
Meanwhile, Officer Brett Ussary wasted no time and rushed into University Health Hospital to seek additional assistance while Montgomery continued her life-saving measures.
During Montgomery’s intervention, she managed to successfully dislodge the obstruction from the baby’s airway.
It was later determined that the infant had choked on a small toy.
The child thankfully began to gasp for air and cry, signaling a return to normal breathing.
Following the incident, Montgomery reflected on the value of her training in such situations.
“Fortunately, we recertify every year in our CPR and first aid training. The back blows are fairly easy,” Montgomery said in an interview.
The detective, who used to work on patrol, said she had experienced her fair share of similar emergencies on the job.
“After experiencing enough chaotic situations, you do learn to be calmer,” Montgomery reflected.
Despite the intensity of the situation, KCPD has yet to disclose the specifics leading up to the incident or provide updates on the baby’s recovery in the weeks following the incident.
In a statement, KCPD expressed gratitude and admiration for the swift response of Detectives Montgomery and Ussary.
“Great job, Detective Montgomery and Officer Ussary!” KCPD shared in a social media post.
Others echoed these sentiments, praising the actions of the two officers.
“Guts is not only facing gunfire, it’s the courage to step in and do what needs to be done,” one person wrote.
When asked if she had spoken to the parents following the incident, Montgomery said she had not, but hopes they are well.
“I hope their little girl is doing great, and that they’re recovering from the incident,” she said.
