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Woman helps rescue choking baby
Woman helps rescue choking baby
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A Sheriff's deputy was hailed a hero last week for saving the life of a baby who was choking as her mother drove down I-94. However, another woman stopped at the scene before that deputy arrived. She says she could sense something was wrong.
Deinna Cervera says she may never forget a desperate call for roadside help along I-94 this past week. Traffic video Tuesday, March 26th captured a woman rushing to a car as a deputy arrived.
Cervera was on her way to class, but caught a glimpse of a mom in distress while holding a seven-month-old girl.
"I pulled over because I knew something was wrong," Cervera said.
Cervera says her maternal instincts kicked in, and life-saving instincts followed.
"She was saying 'my baby's choking, my baby's choking.' I told the deputy she was pulse-less -- to begin chest compressions," Cervera said.
"We started doing chest compressions. Then the baby closed her hands. The mom pointed out the baby just closed her hands and the eyes fluttered open," Deputy Jeffrey Mike said.
"It wasn't until after the fact that she gave me a big hug and I thought 'oh my gosh what did I just witness and what did I just do?'" Cervera said.
Before working on her Master's Degree in Health Care Administration, Cervera was in nursing school. She used those skills to assist 16-year veteran Deputy Mike as he tried to open the airway of the choking baby.
"It was the first time giving CPR on anyone," Deputy Mike said.
"I've done it six times. Not at work, but outside in the community," Cervera said.
Deputy Mike and Cervera were both strangers who stepped in and helped play a role in a life-saving moment that made a lasting impression on all involved.
"I was shaking for about an hour after this happened and every time I tell this story I get all worked up," Deputy Mike said.
"I broke down and started crying and shaking because just seeing this lifeless baby in your arms and not knowing what the outcome would be is just heart-wrenching," Cervera said.