LAREDO, Texas - The quick response from a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer from the Laredo Port of Entry at the Gateway to the Americas Bridge was crucial as he rendered aid and saved the life of a six-month-old female infant during an incident this weekend.
On Sunday, April 15, 2018 at Gateway to the Americas Bridge, Supervisory CBP Officer Michael Garza was advised of a six-month-old female infant who was choking on food. CBP Officer Juan Cortinas was working in Passport Control Secondary (PCS) when he overheard a loud scream from the mother of the child. CBP Officer Cortinas remained calm and responded quickly to render aid as he saw a child gasping for air. CBP Officer Cortinas took the child from the mother and placed her on his knee and began to deliver taps to the infant’s back.
aid to an infant traveler that was choking on
food upon arrival at Laredo Port of Entry.
After several taps on the back, the infant coughed and began to breathe normally. The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) was contacted and arrived at the Gateway to the America’s Bridge. EMS evaluated the infant and thanked CBP Officer Cortinas for responding quickly and taking the initiative to react.
“Our CBP officer went above and beyond their call of duty by taking the initiative and saving the life of an infant,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “This CBP officer is a perfect example of what U.S. Customs and Border Protection stands for, a law enforcement agency that is tasked with protecting our borders, being professional at all times and assisting the community.”