Swift Police Response Helps Save Local Child

Two Harrison, NJ, police officers are being credited with helping to save the life of a toddler who suffered a medical emergency inside a Washington Street home.

According to Det. Lt. Matthew Murphy of the Harrison Police Department, officers were dispatched on Monday, February 23, 2026, at approximately 3:45 p.m., following a 911 call reporting a child in distress.

A Frantic Call for Help

When Officers Luis Terrones and Cindy Alba arrived at the residence, they encountered a frightening scene: an unresponsive toddler who appeared to be struggling to breathe.

Respiratory distress in a young child can escalate in seconds. In many cases, it may be caused by an obstructed airway, such as food, a small object, or swelling that prevents oxygen from reaching the lungs. Without oxygen, a child can lose consciousness quickly, making immediate intervention critical.

Officer Terrones immediately assessed the situation and began administering lifesaving first aid in an effort to clear a possible airway obstruction. Officer Alba assisted by helping secure the scene, ensuring access for incoming emergency responders, and supporting the ongoing care effort.

What Officers Are Trained to Do in These Situations

Harrison police officers, like most modern law enforcement professionals, receive training in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and basic life support techniques, including how to respond to choking emergencies in infants and toddlers.

In a situation involving a small child with a suspected airway obstruction, trained responders may:

• Check responsiveness and breathing
• Deliver back blows and chest thrusts appropriate for an infant or toddler
• Carefully inspect the mouth for visible obstructions (without performing blind finger sweeps)
• Begin CPR if the child stops breathing or loses a pulse
• Provide rescue breaths to deliver oxygen

These interventions are designed to restore airflow and oxygen circulation until advanced medical personnel arrive.

In cases of respiratory distress not caused by choking, such as asthma, allergic reaction, or infection, responders focus on maintaining an open airway, monitoring breathing, and preparing for rapid transport to a hospital.

Coordinated Emergency Response

Within minutes, personnel from the Harrison Fire Department and Harrison EMS arrived on scene and continued advanced medical treatment. Firefighters and EMS professionals are equipped with additional tools, including oxygen delivery systems, suction devices, airway adjuncts, and advanced life support equipment.

Fortunately, the infant became responsive prior to transport a critical turning point in the emergency. The child was then taken to a local medical facility for further evaluation and monitoring.

A Matter of Seconds

In pediatric emergencies, timing can mean everything. Brain cells begin to suffer injury after just a few minutes without oxygen. The swift arrival and decisive action taken by Officers Terrones and Alba, followed by the coordinated response of fire and EMS personnel, likely played a significant role in the positive outcome.

The Harrison Police Department commended Officer Terrones and Officer Alba for their swift, decisive actions and professionalism.

Training That Saves Lives

While police officers are often associated with law enforcement duties, incidents like this highlight another critical role they serve in the community: first responder.

In many emergencies, police officers are the first to arrive, sometimes minutes before fire or EMS. Their training in CPR, first aid, and crisis response bridges the gap during those crucial first moments.

This week’s incident serves as a reminder to residents of the importance of emergency preparedness, including calling 911 immediately during a medical crisis and learning basic CPR and choking response techniques. Quick thinking and early intervention can make the difference between tragedy and survival.

In this case, thanks to teamwork and training, a frightening afternoon on Washington Street ended with hope and a family counting their blessings.  A tragedy was avoided.

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