In a commendable act of public service, two Germantown police officers were bestowed with Life Saving Medals, for their expertise and prompt intervention that resulted in saving a newborn's life in May, this recognition was announced yesterday. As reported by Action News 5, officers Lucas Tremmel and Brennan Bernades answered an urgent call regarding a five-day-old infant who was desperately struggling to breathe.
Upon arriving at the scene within a mere two minutes, they were confronted with the harrowing sight of the child's face suffused in red, lips tinged with purple, and obstructed with baby formula officers Tremmel and Bernades, without missing a beat, exchanged roles in administering back blows to the choking infant, a life-saving technique that ultimately resulted in the child expelling the blocking substance and crying, an indication that the airway was cleared. "If it weren’t for these officers, my child might not be here today," the baby’s father expressed his gratitude, as encountered in a statement obtained by FOX13 Memphis.
The immediate interim care was shortly thereafter taken over by the Germantown Fire Department, who then ensured the infant received more extensive medical evaluations at the hospital, confirming the infant's well-being. FOX13 Memphis remarked on the rapid response and lifesaving abilities demonstrated by the officers, reflecting on the seamless coordination with the Public Safety Dispatcher Jailer Roma Martinelli who had provided critical instructions based on the department’s Emergency Medical Dispatch protocol.
Along with the officers, recognition was also extended to Martinelli, who was awarded a departmental commendation, underscoring her contribution of providing vital information and clear instructions to the first responders at the scene, her quick thinking and excellence in communication was crucial in the resolution of this intense and potentially tragic situation. After meticulous review, including body-worn camera footage, the Germantown Police Department Awards Committee agreed that the actions of Tremmel and Bernades merited the prestigious Life Saving Award; their ceremony took place on June 8, attended by the Police Chief Mike Fisher and Captain Ben Sharp, as described in detail by Action News 5.
