St. Charles Officer Recognized For Saving Baby's Life

ST. CHARLES, IL – The quick actions of a St. Charles Police Department officer is being credited with saving the life of an infant. On Wednesday, Jennifer Larsen was recognized for her heroism and was named the Kane County Officer of the Year. The award was given to Larsen for her actions during an ambulance assist on May 7, 2018, according to a news release from the St. Charles Police Department.

When Larsen arrived at the scene, she met the baby’s father who was carrying the baby. The father said he discovered the baby had fallen off the bed. The adult watching the baby was not aware the fall had occurred, according to the news release.

“A combination of circumstances led to the child not being discovered for almost twenty minutes,” according to the news release. “Due to the angle that the child’s head came to rest between the bed and wall, breathing became restricted.”

Once the father found the baby, she was blue and not breathing.

Larsen immediately assessed the child’s condition and applied a sternum rub but did not get any response from the baby. She also was not able to locate a pulse and began chest compressions.

The baby reacted and her pulse was restored, according to the news release.

The St. Charles Fire Department arrived and the paramedics took over patient care.

The baby was transported to Delnor Hospital. A doctor at the hospital said Larsen’s “quick and decisive actions saved the child’s life,” according to the news release.

“Officer Larsen’s fast thinking and decisive actions during this stressful and disturbing event is a testament to her character, skills and training,” said St. Charles Police Chief James Keegan. “She displayed a prime example of the level of service, commitment and professionalism the St. Charles Police Department strives to give each and every citizen it serves. We are all very proud to have Officer Larsen on our team.”