GAINESVILLE, Fla. – An Alachua County deputy sheriff is being credited with saving the life of a 2-month-old infant after responding to a medical emergency during the early morning hours of June 21.
Deputy Sheriff T. Jovic was dispatched to a residence in the 8500 block of Northwest 1st Avenue after receiving a report of an infant who was not breathing.
When Jovic arrived, he immediately took the child from the infant’s guardians and recognized the baby was in critical distress. Authorities said the infant appeared blue in color and was choking.
Drawing on his training, Jovic quickly began lifesaving measures. He positioned the infant face down along his forearm while supporting the child’s head and jaw and delivered firm back blows between the shoulder blades. The technique was combined with chest thrusts commonly used during infant choking emergencies.
Within approximately one minute, the infant began breathing again and expelled liquid that had been obstructing the airway.
Deputy Jovic continued providing care until emergency medical personnel arrived, monitoring the infant’s condition and ensuring the airway remained clear.
Emergency responders later transported the infant and the child’s mother to a local hospital for further evaluation.
Officials praised Jovic’s calm and decisive actions, noting that his training and quick response were instrumental in saving the child’s life.
“We know situations involving infants and medical emergencies can be especially difficult to read about, and we are grateful this incident had a positive outcome,” the agency said in a statement. “We are incredibly proud of Deputy Sheriff Jovic for his calm, quick, and compassionate response during a critical moment.”
Authorities said the infant is alive today because of the deputy’s lifesaving efforts and his ability to remain composed under pressure while providing critical information to responding medical personnel.