A New Jersey State Trooper is being hailed as a hero for helping save the life of an 8-month-old baby who was not breathing.
Trooper Benjamin Hockin responded to a home Oct. 3 after a 911 call for an unconscious and unresponsive infant.
Hockin arrived and retried an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) from his troop car, which patrol troopers often carry.
Once inside, Hockin checked 8-month-old Lila and found she was not breathing and had no detectable pulse. Relying on his training, he deployed the AED, administering one shock. Hockin began CPR and continued until EMS arrived. First responders administered a second shock before taking over CPR.
Lila was taken to Hunterdon County Medical Center, then transported to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where she is doing well and expected to make a full recovery, according to police.
The doctors and paramedics involved have commended Hockin for his lifesaving efforts, which helped keep Lila alive until she received further treatment.
"Trooper Hockin’s quick and decisive actions are a credit to him and the New Jersey State Police," said Colonel Rick Fuentes, superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. "There is nothing more rewarding or meaningful than to save a life. This is a memorable start to a bright and promising career."
