Child's Life Saved By Customs & Border Protection Officers

NOGALES, AZ U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers saved the life of a 2 year old boy on August 26th at the Nogales, Arizona Port of Entry. The officers resuscitated a young boy who had experienced a seizure, vomited, and choked while his parents were driving him to the border for help. CBP Officers James Casey and Relvy Del Rio were on duty at the Mariposa Port of Entry in Nogales, when a vehicle approached at a high rate of speed, entering the United States through lanes normally reserved for vehicles exiting the country. The vehicle entered the port of entry and a woman exited the car with the young boy in her arms, screaming for help. The officers ran to the woman and noticed that the child was limp and covered in vomit. They then noticed that the child was not breathing. CBP Officers Casey and Del Rio immediately took the child from his mothers arms and began to clear his airway of vomit, at which time they heard faint sounds of breathing. The child began to vomit again, prompting the CBP Officers to assist the child by continuing to clear and maintain his airway, and monitoring his situation until paramedics could arrive. The child was transported by the paramedics to the local hospital, where he was later reported as breathing normally and in good condition. The parents of the child said that the boy had experienced the seizure, vomited, and begun choking in Mexico, but they were unable to get assistance there, so they decided to try to get help in the US at the port of entry. This is an example of the professionalism our officers demonstrate every day at the port of entry, said Port Director James Tong. Im very proud of Officer Casey and Officer Del Rio for the life-saving actions they performed without a second thought. CBP Officer Casey and CBP Officer Del Rio have been nominated for the Newton-Azrak Award, given to officers who demonstrate valor while performing official duties. The mother and child will meet with the officers to personally thank them for their actions, and plan on visiting the port of entry in the afternoon on Thursday, September 8th.