NJ State Trooper Saves Choking Baby In Piscataway

PISCATAWAY, NJ — It was an incredible weekend for many in Central Jersey, but one Middlesex County family is particularly grateful: An off-duty state trooper saved the life of their choking infant girl Saturday afternoon in Piscataway.

Trooper Robert Meyer of Piscataway is now being hailed as a hero.

It was 1:15 p.m. this past Saturday, Feb. 3. Trooper Meyer had worked the Friday overnight shift the night before, so he was at home in Piscataway, fast asleep.

That's when he was awoken by a pounding on his door. A woman who lives on his street was watching her two-week-old granddaughter, who suddenly started choking. The desperate woman ran to Meyer’s residence after she saw his marked troop car parked outside.

Without even putting on his shoes, Meyer ran to his neighbor’s home, which was four houses away. When he got there, the baby was blue and struggling to breathe. Using a bulb syringe provided by the grandmother, Meyer cleared the baby’s nose and mouth, which immediately cleared her airway of mucus that was obstructing her breathing.

Shortly after his arrival, Piscataway police and local emergency medical personnel arrived to assist, State Police wrote on Facebook.

Patch put in a request to the State Police headquarters to interview Trooper Meyer, and we're hopeful he calls back.

The baby, whose name is Elizabeth, was rushed to an area hospital where she was treated and released the same day. The baby girl suffered no serious injuries, and she is expected to make a full recovery.

Photo of Trooper Robert Meyer provided by NJ State Police.