A police officer from Southmayd, Texas, has received widespread acclaim for his rapid response in saving the life of a toddler who was choking. This dramatic incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, 21 July, when Officer Scott Barrett was dispatched to a residence after reports indicated that a 23-month-old girl had stopped breathing.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/officer-saves-child-from-choking-1-072326-7f003da778b347488d0ba6bfcec6018c.jpg)
At approximately 12:50 a.m., the call was made following a terrifying situation for the family of little Paisley. According to her grandmother, Sherry Steward, the situation was dire. She described the child as “solid purple,” with blood coming from her mouth and nose, and being completely unresponsive—prompting the family to call 911.
Officer Barrett and two colleagues from the Gunter Police Department quickly arrived at the scene. Body camera footage released by the Southmayd Police Department shows Barrett being approached by Paisley’s distressed mother, who was holding her lifeless child. “Is she still choking?” Barrett inquired upon reaching the family. The mother, in despair, replied, “Yes, I can’t get it out.”
Without hesitation, Barrett began administering back blows that were appropriate for the child’s age in an effort to clear her airway. After a number of attempts, the toddler began to whimper and cry, indicating that her airway had been partially cleared. Southmayd Police reported that Officer Barrett continued to provide care and reassurance until the arrival of Whitesboro EMS.
Paisley was then transported to Texoma Medical Center in Denison for further assessment and treatment. After completing an initial investigation, Officer Barrett visited the hospital to check on her condition. He was relieved to find that the little girl was awake, alert, and stable, indicating a good prognosis for her recovery.
The following day, Barrett maintained his involvement by visiting Paisley at home, where he witnessed her joyfully playing, seemingly oblivious to the earlier crisis. “She was out running around like nothing even ever happened,” said Barrett, who has dedicated 23 years to the police force. His emotional connection with the child was evident when he described holding her briefly before she returned to her mother.
The family expressed immense gratitude to Officer Barrett and the Southmayd Police Department. During a follow-up visit by Police Chief Jeff Laughlin and Lieutenant Michael Aguirre, Paisley’s mother conveyed her heartfelt appreciation, firmly believing that Barrett’s quick and decisive actions had saved her daughter’s life.
This incident has not only brought relief to Paisley’s family but has also highlighted the imperative nature of proper training for emergency responders. Officer Barrett himself reflected on the experience, stating, “I was praying Jesus would keep me calm during the whole thing and remember my training.” The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on him, and he noted that it was the hardest call he’d ever responded to.
Steward, Paisley’s grandmother, expressed her overwhelming emotions when witnessing the reunion between the officer and her granddaughter. She remarked on the small child’s instinct to connect with Barrett by resting her head on him, as if she instinctively understood that he had played a crucial role in her survival.
The commendable actions of Officer Barrett serve as a poignant reminder of the vital role that first responders play in our communities. His rapid response and lifesaving efforts have not only given Paisley a second chance but have also forged a lasting bond between him and the family he assisted. The Southmayd Police Department continues to be a pillar of support for the community, exemplifying the dedication and bravery of its officers.