Thanksgiving holds a special meaning for the parents of baby Alybree-Dejeus Cerda. Just a week ago, Alex A. Rocha-Cerda and Stephania Quivoga had a terrifying scare when their six-day-old infant stopped breathing and her lips began to turn blue. Frantic and not knowing what to do, the couple decided to drive their child to the emergency room.
Today they are grateful for Fort Pierce Police Officer Jorge Goz. His quick thinking saved the life of their newborn baby.
On November 15, Officer Goz noticed an emergency call for a choking infant and asked the 911 dispatcher for more information. When Officer Goz learned the child was being driven to the hospital, he told the dispatcher to have the driver pull over so he could administer first aid. Time was of the essence and Officer Goz knew he would reach the family before they made it to the hospital.
Officer Goz and Officer Brandon Adkins located the couple’s vehicle at the intersection of Okeechobee Road and Jenkins Road. Officer Goz rushed to the vehicle and found the baby incapable of making a sound or breathing. He took her in his arms and placed her in the position to perform first aid. He provided several back thrusts which removed a substance that had created a blockage to the infant’s airway. The infant began to gasp for air and started to cry. She was transported to the hospital and remained overnight for observation. She was released the next morning and is doing fine.
While at the hospital, Officer Goz, who is the Department’s First Aid/CPR Instructor, talked with the family and discovered no one knew Pediatric First Aid/CPR. He asked if it would be okay for him to come by their home before going to work the next day, November 16, to provide them with training. The couple agreed. When Officer Goz arrived for the training, the maternal and paternal grandparents were there and also received the life-saving techniques. The family was very thankful.
“This incident hit very close to home for me because I have a five-year-old daughter,” said Officer Goz. “If something like this ever happens in my family, I hope someone will be able to help out.”
This will not be the last time this family sees Officer Goz, because he plans to stay in touch.
Note: Officer Jorge Goz has been nominated to receive the Fort Pierce Police Department Life Saving Award. #FPPDProud