Police Officers Recognized For Saving Choking Child In Abington

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA —They were working on duty at an event at the Abington Free Library in late August.

It was 4:15 p.m. on Aug. 29. Abington Police Officers Christine Da Cunha and Alison Gontowski were on duty working a Rita-Book Day event at the library.

They were approached by a library employee who informed them that a child was choking and needed assistance.

Both officers rushed to assist an 11-year-old boy. They observed the boy as having very shallow and labored breathing.

Officer Da Cunha performed the Heimlich maneuver while Officer Gontowski provided back blows.

After a short period, the officers were able to dislodge the object in the child’s throat, allowing him to resume normal breathing.

An ambulance from The Second Alarmers Rescue Squad responded to the scene and continued giving the child immediate medical attention.

The Abington Township Police Department, in recently recognizing both with commendations, said the officers both acted swiftly in response to a medical emergency involving a child.

Their actions, and the action of the ambulance crew who responded, helped to avert a potentially life-threatening situation, officials said.

"The officers and members of the Second Alarmers Rescue Squad displayed exceptional professionalism and resilience in managing the challenging situation," officials said. "The effective teamwork and commitment were crucial in managing the situation and ensuring the child’s safety."