
-
A child’s life was spared this week thanks to the quick actions of Sampson County Sheriff’s Deputy Jorge Fernandez.
This past Sunday, Oct. 13, Fernandez and fellow Deputy Johnathan
Dutton responded with EMS to a 2-month old child with an obstructed
air-way on Trailer Park Lane. The call was originally dispatched at 4:25
p.m., as a cardiac arrest of a 2-month old child.
According to Dutton, the two deputies responded emergency traffic
from Clinton to the residence. They arrived on scene before EMS. They
house did not have any numerical markings so EMS passed the scene. Once
the deputies made it there, deputy Fernandez leaped from his patrol car
and ran straight towards the residence.
“Deputy Fernandez ran in the residence, located the two-month old
child, that was now a shade of blue that no parent, let alone any
rational human being, would ever want to see a 2-month-old,” Dutton
stated. “Deputy Fernandez quickly, but carefully checked the child’s
breathing and airway. Deputy Fernandez, with amazing care rolled the
baby into his arms face down and began back thrust while I located EMS.”
Dutton alerted Fernandez that EMS had arrived on scene and Fernandez,
with the child in his arms, made a dash across the yard toward the
ambulance, all while continuing back thrust.
“Almost instantly after boarding the EMS truck, the baby, that was
just a few seconds before a light shade of blue, vomited and began
crying in Deputy Fernandez’s caring arms — a beautiful sound that rang
from what was a few moments prior, a devastating scene. With this being
said, I am requesting a Life Saving Award be given to Deputy Jorge
Fernandez for his act of duty to save the life of this infant,” Dutton
added, describing Fernandez’s actions as courageous with a heartfelt
desire to help others.
“The partnership the Sheriff’s Office has with other public service
agencies, such as EMS, is invaluable and necessary in order to continue
to protect the lives of the citizens we all serve. Through team work, a
child’s life was spared and a family will be forever grateful to the
first responders who were there to render their child life saving
medical aid,” Sheriff’s Lt. Marcus Smith proclaimed
On Oct. 15, two days after his response and life-saving act, Fernandez was given a commendation by Sheriff Jimmy Thornton.
“Your quick actions saved the life of a 2-month old child with an
obstructed air-way. The proficient use of your training under the most
stressful of conditions clearly demonstrates the high caliber of
employee you are,” Thornton stated in the commendation. “Saving the life
of a small child will certainly be the most cherished memory throughout
your law enforcement career. Your steadfast dedication to the Sampson
County Sheriff’s Office and the welfare of its citizens are truly
appreciated. Please continue the good work and stay vigilant in your
duties.”
Fernandez graduated from the Sampson Community College’s Basic Law Enforcement Training program in 2017.
Receives sheriff commendation for his actions