Crime & Safety

San Rafael Cop Saves Infant's Life

The officer resuscitated a 1-year-old boy who'd stopped breathing.

Mark Wilkinson has been a San Rafael police officer for less than a year, but he’s making friends quick.

He's being hailed a hero for saving the life of an infant earlier this month.

Wilkinson resuscitated a 1-year-old boy who’d stopped breathing in a Nov. 14 incident, police said.

Find out what's happening in San Rafaelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

He was on patrol when the frantic uncle of the child flagged him down on the 3500 block of Kerner Boulevard at about 8:16 p.m., Cpl. Justin Graham said.

Dispatchers had just received a 9-1-1 call about the child’s condition.

Find out what's happening in San Rafaelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Wilkinson and the uncle rushed over to the mother who was holding the blue-faced child, barely clinging to life with a faint pulse.

Wilkinson laid the boy flat in the cargo area of the family’s SUV and administered rescue breaths, Graham said.

Within a minute the boy was breathing on his own and started crying shortly afterwards, Graham said.

San Rafael Fire Department and Paramedic personnel arrived on scene and continued to provide medical aid, Graham said. Additional police officers arrived on the scene too.

“Officer Wilkinson is certified in CPR and was commended for his quick action and calm demeanor that resulted in the child’s recovery,” Graham said.

Police officers are routinely trained and certified in CPR. Patrol officers are ideal first-responders and in San Rafael, all police cars are equipped with automatic external defibrillators.

The San Rafael Police Department encourages to public to learn CPR. To learn more about the benefits of CPR training visit the Marin County’s Emergency Medical Services Agency or the American Heart Association


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