Guam Medics Resuscitate Baby Girl

From Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs

SANTA RITA, GUAM (NNS) -- U.S. Naval Base Guam (NBG) Fire and Emergency Services (FES) medics resuscitated a 1-year-old civilian girl who was brought to Station 2 on Naval Magazine Site in Santa Rita Dec. 24.

Upon arrival, the girl was unconscious, unresponsive and had acute cyanosis from lack of oxygen. Medics performed approximately 10 back blows in an attempt to dislodge the piece of food. Once her airway was clear, medics then delivered oxygen and the patient's condition improved.

NBG FES personnel Capt. Nick Perez, Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician Andrew Babas, Firefighter J.P. Taimanglo, Firefighter Ted Borja and Paramedic Gregory Simon were the first to treat the infant, said NBG FES Fire Chief Robert Green.

"After back blows and oxygen was delivered, (she) was able to move (her hands) initially and cyanosis eventually went away," Green said.

Station 2 medics and Advanced Life Support from Station 1 on board NBG continued to monitor the girl's vitals as she was transported to Guam Memorial Hospital.

"I was relieved that she started to breathe on her own," Perez said. "It was the best gift I could receive and give - to give someone back their life especially during the holiday season."

Emergency response to the incident was an example of the Mutual Aid Agreement between NBG FES and the Guam Fire Department to ensure that emergency service resources are available at all times.

"We have responded to 158 medical mutual aids with GFD so far this year," Green said. "That many calls keep us sharp and proficient in our medical skills."

Perez agreed with Green and added that medical incidents should be addressed immediately regardless of who the patient is.

"As first responders we're here to save lives," he said. "When it comes to life, there are no boundaries. I'm happy that everything's fine, and I'm glad we were able to bring her back. I thank God that it worked for our favor and hers as well."