Maryland Trooper Saves Choking Infant During Traffic Stop

Trooper Nicholas Warren's quick action and First Aid training helped revive the baby in Elkton.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A routine traffic stop in Elkton, Maryland took an unexpected turn when the driver of another vehicle flagged down Trooper Nicholas Warren, saying their infant was choking. Warren immediately called for emergency medical services and performed lifesaving First Aid, administering back blows that cleared the blockage and allowed the baby to start breathing again. The trooper's quick thinking and prior training were crucial in saving the infant's life during the tense situation.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of First Aid training for law enforcement officers, who are often first on the scene of emergencies. Trooper Warren's ability to remain calm and act decisively likely prevented a tragic outcome, demonstrating the value of equipping public safety personnel with the skills to handle medical emergencies.

The details

As Trooper Warren was walking back to his patrol vehicle after the initial traffic stop, another driver pulled up and alerted him that their infant was choking. Warren immediately called for emergency medical services and began administering First Aid, performing back blows that cleared the blockage in the baby's airway. The trooper's prior training from the fire department and police academy proved crucial, as he was able to revive the infant in a matter of moments before EMS arrived.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday morning in Elkton, Maryland.

The players

Trooper Nicholas Warren

A Maryland State Police trooper who previously served as a volunteer firefighter, giving him the medical training that allowed him to quickly save the choking infant.

The Infant

A baby who was choking and in distress until Trooper Warren intervened and performed lifesaving First Aid.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I grew up in the fire department. I was a volunteer before I came to the state police, so I've had plenty of training, and then, they gave us a ton of training in the academy, and I've been able to use it quite often on my job.”

— Trooper Nicholas Warren (WBAL)

“It happened so fast that your brain just clicks. So, I was very thankful for that training. That's why you sign up to do this job. And, it's the most rewarding thing you can have, having a good outcome and something like that. That happened so fast and seconds count, so it was very, very rewarding.”

— Trooper Nicholas Warren (WBAL)

The takeaway

Trooper Warren's quick action and First Aid training allowed him to save a choking infant's life during a routine traffic stop, demonstrating the importance of equipping law enforcement with medical skills to handle emergencies. This incident highlights how the right training can empower officers to make a real difference in their communities.