Scott County deputy uses a new tool to prevent a 2-year-old from choking

Scott County, Indiana – Last week, a sheriff’s officer in southern Indiana saved the life of a youngster with the use of a recently acquired piece of equipment.

The Scott County Sheriff’s Office reports that on November 29, Deputy Kyle West was called in response to a report of a 2-year-old boy having trouble breathing. The child’s parents were at the end of their driveway when the deputy arrived, giving the child “back slaps and stomach thrusts,” which didn’t seem to improve the child’s condition.

A piece of chocolate and a piece of a Christmas ornament were extracted from the child’s airway by Deputy West using a LifeVac Suction Device. Following their arrival on the scene, Scott County Emergency Services took the child to Scott Memorial Hospital for a medical assessment, according to SCSO.

“Saving a life, especially a small child’s, and having the tools to do so at your fingertips is incredibly satisfying. Both the child’s parents and I are grateful that I had the LifeVac Device on hand to assist their beloved son, West stated.

The Vienna Volunteer Fire Department, Scottsburg Fire and Rescue, and Scott County EMS all provided assistance on the scene.