Philadelphia Police Officer Saves Choking Toddler at FDR Park
Philadelphia Police Sgt. Thomas Cain responded to a March incident at FDR Park where a toddler began choking on a chip. Body camera footage shows Cain performing back slaps and CPR until the child resumed breathing.
nypost.comPhiladelphia Police Sgt. Thomas Cain responded to a call at FDR Park in March after a toddler named Emma began choking on a chip while at a playground. The incident was captured on police body camera footage released by the Philadelphia Police Department.
Post by @ABC on X
In the video, Cain can be seen slapping the child on the back repeatedly before turning her over to clear her airway. "I started running up, weaving through people as they're just standing around. I was trying to figure out ...
Who was mom," Cain told Philadelphia ABC station WPVI. Cain said that at one point Emma stopped breathing and he began administering CPR. A few moments later she took a shallow breath, he said, and fire department medics arrived to provide additional care before transporting her to a local hospital.
Emma's family, who speak only Spanish and declined an on-camera interview, credited Cain with saving her life and said she is now doing fine. Cain described the response as routine. "I mean, we do it every day, so it's not just me, but I credit my officers and stuff for being there," he said.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
3 events- March 2026
Toddler Emma began choking on a chip at FDR Park playground.
1 source@ABC - March 2026
Philadelphia Police Sgt. Thomas Cain performed back slaps and CPR until Emma resumed breathing.
1 source@ABC - May 20, 2026
Philadelphia Police Department released body camera footage of the incident.
1 source@ABC
Potential Impact
- 01
The released footage may be used for police training on pediatric choking response.
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