There are few things scarier than seeing your child choking on something. As much as we can try to prevent it from happening, kids are kids. They’re going to try to eat things we tell them not to. Or they’re going to take bigger bites than they can handle. The key is quick thinking. Officers from the Tampa Police Department demonstrated that in a recently released video.
In the video, an officer springs into action to save a choking toddler. Both the child and the adult with them were panicking, but the officers remained calm and rescued the little one.
The police department shared the video as a reminder.
The Tampa Police Department shared the video on its official Facebook page on May 5, 2025. “A terrifying moment turned into a life saved. Thanks to the quick, compassionate response of our officers, the toddler is safe today,” the caption reads.
“Choking is often silent. If someone can’t speak, cough, or breathe, they may need immediate help. Call 911 and learn how to recognize the signs,” the post continued, sharing a link to resources on CPR classes.
The video lasts a little more than a minute, but it’s terrifying.
The video, which looks like it’s compiled from bodycam footage, shows a man running up to officers with the choking toddler in his arms. “He’s choking, bro!” the man cries, handing the child over. The officer then proceeds to pat the little boy on the back, trying to dislodge whatever is in his throat.
Soon, the man explains that the boy was eating a tomato, which is likely what he’s choking on. The little one thrashes a bit as officers continue to pat him on the back. Someone can be heard talking to emergency services. The tomato then comes loose. “He’s breathing!” officers exclaim.
In true toddler fashion, the little one is full of questions after being rescued. “What was it?” he asks. “Where was it?”
Reactions to the video were mixed.
People in the comments had a variety of reactions. Some were full of praise, while others questioned the life-saving techniques used.
“I think these guys need a refresher on CPR,” one person wrote.
“I guess SOME ANGELS Are Police Officers??” another added.
Another commenter wrote: “I’m a first responder, you mean to tell me you don’t know how to do the heimlich. Yeah I don’t know who put this up, y’all looking crazy!”
Technically, the officer while possibly a bit stressed himself, did use the correct technique. Per the British Red Cross, back blows are the first step to helping a choking child, and the Heimlich maneuver should not be the first course of action as it could injure a small child.
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