CSNSW officers save toddler’s life in road-trip rescue

A ‘stop, revive, survive’ driving break took on greater meaning for four Corrective Services NSW officers, when the team successfully resuscitated a child who stopped breathing at a Dubbo cafe.

Officers Micheal Williams, Sean Delarue, Ross Cobby and Andrew Fileman raced into action upon hearing panicked shouts at ‘The Def Chef’, while enroute to Broken Hill Correctional Centre.

“We’d just sat down and heard screaming from the kitchen, so we jumped the counter and saw dad holding his baby, who was blue in the face,” Mr Williams said.

“The poor little bubba had her face all scrunched up and her eyes closed, so we gave first aid to clear her airway. It was such a relief when we heard her breathing.

“We’re all trained to run straight into the thick of it and help. It didn’t seem like much to us because we revive people in prison but it was surreal being a little baby in the community.”

The child’s mother thanked her newfound heroes via text later that day.

“Thank you very, very much for saving my daughter’s life today,” the text read.

Commissioner Kevin Corcoran PSM applauded the officers for their life-saving response, which lasted around 10 minutes before paramedics arrived.

“I’m immensely proud of the team’s ability to act in a time sensitive, high-pressure environment; their skills mean a young girl is thankfully with us today,” Mr Corcoran said.

“Correctional officers are highly skilled, needing to be first responders to medical emergencies, fire or dangerous situations in a prison setting.

“They are often the unsung heroes behind prison walls working to keep our communities safe and situations like this rescue highlights their skills and dedication.”

Minister for Corrections Geoff Lee praised the team and correctional officers in parliament.

“<Correctional staff> keep the community safe and are an essential service,” Mr Lee said.

“I acknowledge Micheal Williams, Sean Delarue, Ross Cobby and Andrew Fileman … they provided essential resuscitation services and saved that child's life.”