The Abington Police Department shared that Officers Christine Da Cunha (above left) and Alison Gontowski (above right) performed lifesaving techniques on an 11-year-old boy at the Abington Free Library on August 29, 2024.

According to their post, Officers Da Cunha and Gontowski were working a Rita-Book Day event at the library when a library employee informed them that a child was choking and needed assistance.

Officer Da Cunha performed the Heimlich maneuver while Officer Gontowski provided back blows.

“After a short period of time, the officers were able to dislodge the object in the child’s throat, allowing him to resume normal breathing,” the post said.

An ambulance from The Second Alarmers Rescue Squad responded to the scene and continued giving the child immediate medical attention.

“Officers Da Cunha and Gontowski both acted swiftly in response to a medical emergency involving a child. Their actions, and the action of the ambulance crew who responded, helped to avert a potentially life-threatening situation,” the post said. “The officers and members of the Second Alarmers Rescue Squad displayed exceptional professionalism and resilience in managing the challenging situation. The effective teamwork and commitment were crucial in managing the situation and ensuring the child’s safety.”

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