Off-Duty Sheriff's Officer Saves Unresponsive Girl, 5, On Route 4

A 5-year-old Kentucky girl who was unresponsive and not breathing in her family's car on the side of Route 4 was saved by an off-duty sheriff's officer, Paramus police officer, and a doctor, officials said.

Bergen County Sheriff's Sgt. Walter Hutchinson was traveling with his family when he saw a vehicle parked on the shoulder of Route 4 West near the Route 17 southbound on-ramp around 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton said.

Several individuals were also in distress, including a woman frantically calling for help, Cureton said.

Hutchinson immediately pulled over to help and found the 5-year-old child unresponsive and not breathing. Her parents, visiting from Kentucky, were already attempting life-saving measures. The officer helped the child’s father, who was performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and assisted in chest compressions.

Shortly after, an unidentified doctor and his wife stopped to assist. The doctor monitored the child, who began breathing again and showed signs of a possible seizure. Other Good Samaritans stopped to provide safety and comfort to the family until emergency services arrived, according to the sheriff.

Paramus Police Officer Robert Gleason responded to the scene, where the child was drifting in and out of consciousness, Paramus Police Chief Robert Guidetti said.

Two Paramus police vehicles provided an emergency escort for the ambulance to the hospital.

"Sgt. Hutchinson called for urgent assistance, and due to the swift actions of Paramus PD, EMS units, and PST Brian Marshal, emergency personnel quickly arrived on the scene," Cureton said. "The child was treated by EMS and transported to Hackensack University Medical Center for further evaluation."

The girl was later reported to be in stable condition.

The family expressed their gratitude to all those involved in saving their child’s life, and reached out to thank the officer and other good samaritans who stopped to help during this critical moment.

Guidetti also formally commended Hutchinson for his "exemplary actions."

"His quick and decisive response to a critical situation involving a 5-year-old child in distress undoubtedly played a crucial role in saving the child’s life."