On Tuesday, Oct. 26, Suffolk County Police Third Precinct officers provided life-saving aid to a child in medical distress in Central Islip.

According to a press release, Third Precinct officers responded to a Spur Drive North residence after a 911 caller reported a child was not breathing at approximately 8:55 a.m. Upon arrival, officers observed a 4-year-old boy, who suffers from congenital central hypoventilation syndrome, turning blue, the release said. Police said Officer Matthew Denicola began CPR and Officer Matthew Carrello assisted with care. According to the release, Officer Samantha Ventura, who is a fluent Spanish speaker, communicated with the child’s family, who spoke limited English.   

Members of Exchange Ambulance of the Islips responded to transport the child, police said. While in the ambulance, Third Precinct Officer Makesi Oliver, who is a member of the SCPD Medical Crisis Action Team (MEDCAT), observed the child had no pulse. Officer Oliver utilized an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) on the child to regain a pulse.

Police said the child was transported to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore where he was listed in stable condition.