Orange Police Officer Saves Choking Baby

Corporal Greggory Cates responded quickly and performed life-saving Heimlich maneuver.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A police officer in Orange, California, saved the life of a 7-month-old baby girl who was choking on a hair clip. Corporal Greggory Cates arrived at the scene within minutes of the frantic 911 call and immediately performed the Heimlich maneuver, delivering several back blows that dislodged the object and allowed the baby to start breathing again.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of police officers being trained in first aid and emergency medical response, as their quick actions can mean the difference between life and death in critical situations. It also underscores the need for parents to be vigilant about potential choking hazards for young children.

The details

When Cpl. Cates arrived, he saw the distraught mother holding her choking baby. He immediately took the infant and performed the Heimlich maneuver, delivering about six or seven back blows until the hair clip was dislodged and the baby began to cry, signaling she could breathe again. Cpl. Cates then comforted the baby until emergency medical services arrived.

  • Last Monday, the Orange Police Department received a frantic 911 call about a choking baby.
  • Cpl. Cates responded to the Code 3 call and arrived at the home within minutes.

The players

Cpl. Greggory Cates

A police officer with the Orange Police Department who responded to the 911 call about a choking baby and performed life-saving first aid.

The baby's mother

The frantic mother who called 911 when her 7-month-old daughter began choking on a hair clip.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“When I got there, the mom was running out to the street because her baby was choking on a hairclip. It was pretty intense, the situation.”

— Cpl. Greggory Cates, Police Officer

“It was a 'Holy crap' kind of moment. It re-lives in my mind. Seeing the (body cam) video brings it back. I do tear up sometimes. It was a big moment.”

— Cpl. Greggory Cates, Police Officer

What’s next

The Orange Police Department plans to honor Cpl. Cates for his life-saving actions at a ceremony later this week.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the critical role that well-trained police officers can play in emergency medical situations, and the importance of parents being vigilant about potential choking hazards for young children.