This Quick-Thinking Off-Duty CHP Officer Helped Save a Boy's Life

A California Highway Patrol officer is being praised as a hero for helping save the life of a little boy who was choking.

CHP Officer Art Montiel, who works as the public information officer out of the Redwood City Area Office in the San Francisco Bay Area, was grocery shopping in Redwood City on Friday afternoon when the incident occurred.

“Officer Montiel was in the produce area, when he observed a female adult in distress, crying and slapping a small 5-year old boy on the back,” CHP Officer Daniel Hill said. “The female, later identified as the boy’s mother, related that her son, Miguel Alvarez, was choking.”

The officer jumped into action, starting efforts to clear the boy’s airway, and instructed bystanders to call 911.

“Officer Montiel immediately began emergency medical aid for an obstructed airway administering abdominal thrusts and back blows,” Hill said.

Soon, the boy spit up the obstruction— which turned out to be a small grape, perfectly sized to block the child’s throat. The officer stayed with the boy until emergency units arrived on scene.

“It is extremely fortunate that Officer Montiel happened to be in the right place at the right time,” said Captain Mike Maskarich of the Redwood City Area. “Swift and correct action is extremely important when you have an obstructed airway. We are proud of Officer Montiel and thankful that Miguel is alright.”

In the attached photo provided by the CHP, Montiel poses with the happy tot and his mom.