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Watch the 'amazing' moment hero police officer saves choking baby by side of road

By Naomi White|

A police officer has been hailed a hero after saving a baby who was choking in Mississippi.

The incident happened last week in the city of Oxford, when officers were called to assist with a baby who was struggling to breathe.

In a video of the incident, the officer can be seen arriving outside a house before running towards the baby, calmly taking it and giving it a few firm blows to the back before the baby starts making noises, seemingly after dislodging the object.

Police officer hailed a hero after saving choking baby in Mississippi.
Police officer hailed a hero after saving choking baby in Mississippi. (Facebook)

?"On Thursday, September 15th, the Oxford Police Department received a 911 about an infant not being able to breathe. Officer Ortiz arrived quickly, took the child, and observed that it appeared to be choking," the local police department said.

"She flipped the child over and began lifesaving measures. Whatever was lodged in the baby's throat was removed and he was able to breathe again."

The baby was taken to hospital as a precaution but has since recovered.

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Food is the leading cause of choking in young children. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

"We are proud of how quickly our officers, especially Officer Ortiz on this day, respond and remain calm in the face of panic and uncertainty," the department added.

The officer was praised on Facebook, where the department posted about the incident.

"Thank you officer Ortiz! So glad that sweet baby was ok. My son choked one day and it took years off of my life, it is the scariest thing," said one woman.

"Proud of that young officer; her quick thinking saved a life?," agreed another.

"Amazing work from this officer. This is a parents' worst fear, but so thankful help was there!!," said a third.

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A first aid officer demonstrates how to apply a back blow to a choking baby. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Recent Australian statistics show there were 990 choking deaths between 2019 to 20 (including adults) and 910 hospitalisations. ?

?Childrens' first aid educators Tiny Hearts Education say up to 85 per cent of choking deaths are caused by food. Though small toys and other foreign objects are also a risk.

They advise calling Triple Zero in a choking event and in the case of a complete obstruction - where the child can not cough, to lay your child (under one-year-old) across your lap or if aged one to eight, sitting or standing up, put their head in a down position and to apply five short, sharp back blows on their back between their shoulder blade using the heel of your hand, checking the airway between each.

If this does not dislodge the object, then move to five chest thrusts using two fingers in the middle of the chest. ?

Alternate between back blows and chest thrusts, if this does not work, until paramedics arrive. Start CPR at any point if the child loses consciousness.

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