Two National Police officers have been praised for saving the life of a two-year-old boy who was found unconscious, convulsing and showing signs of cyanosis in the early hours of yesterday, Wednesday 2nd April, in the pedestrian area of Santa Catalina Park in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
According to the Canary Islands' Superior Police Headquarters, the officers were on routine patrol when the child's distressed mother approached them carrying the lifeless child in her arms. One officer immediately took the baby and began assessing his condition, ensuring that his airways were clear and checking vital signs to determine if he was breathing properly.
Meanwhile, the second officer attempted to calm the mother and gather information about the possible cause of the child's state. Communication was hampered due to a language barrier, as the mother did not speak Spanish and was suffering an acute anxiety attack.
Realising the severity of the situation and the baby's lack of response to initial life-saving efforts, the officers decided not to wait for emergency medical services and instead transported the child to the nearest hospital in their patrol car. During the two-minute journey to the Perpetuo Socorro Hospital, the officer holding the baby closely monitored his pulse and breathing.
Upon arrival, the child was handed over to hospital staff, who took immediate action. The mother was also treated for her anxiety, which began to subside once the paediatric emergency doctor informed both her and the officers that the child had been stabilised and was no longer in immediate danger.
The young boy was later transferred to the Maternal and Child Hospital for continued observation and further care. The swift and decisive actions of the officers have been credited with saving the child's life.
