LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Joe Baeza,

 The incident occurred at approximately 11:21 a.m. on Monday June 20, 2011.  Officer Alberto Tijerina and Officer Gerardo Dimas were investigating a motor vehicle collision by 7200 Mines Road, when a vehicle pulled up to the scene and the driver and young passenger hurriedly exited the vehicle.  The officers noted that the child was making strange wheezing sounds and looked frightened. Almost instantly Officer Tijerina identified the medical emergency as a choking incident and rushed to the aid of 9 year old female who was choking on a piece of hard candy.  Officer Tijerina began administering the “Heimlich Maneuver”, the proper first aid for a person who is choking. 

Officer Gerardo Dimas summoned an ambulance in case Officer Tijerina’s efforts were unsuccessful.  According to Officer Dimas, the victim was already turning purple and wheezing profusely.  Officer Dimas also attempted to assist by delivering several hand thrusts to the victim’s back in an attempt to dislodge the obstruction from the air way.  Finally the piece of candy was ejected from the air way.  After a few moments with the victim’s airway being cleared she regained her normal color and was fine.  There is no doubt the quick action by these two officers helped save a life.  The victim was examined at the scene by Laredo Fire Department personnel and did not need further medical assistance. 

A post interview of the driver (the mother) by officers at the scene revealed that the child began to choke just a few moments prior to driving up on the accident scene.  Additionally the mother stated that she had intentions to drive all the way to Doctor’s hospital for help but fortunately drove up on the accident scene where these officers rendered first aid and saved the child. Officer Gerardo Dimas is a decorated 17 year veteran patrol officer with the Laredo PD. Officer Alberto Tijerina is a 4 year veteran patrol officer with the Laredo Police Department. Officer Tijerina in 2010 was recognized for his life saving efforts when he was the first responding officer to a drowning call. A small boy was found lifeless at the bottom of the pool and had no pulse when the officer arrived.  Officer Tijerina arrived and began CPR on the young boy.  The officer was successful in bring the child back to life while paramedics arrived and took over the emergency. Officer Tijeri  na is an Iraq War veteran where he was deployed with the US Army National Guard from 2004-2006.