• News Releases
• SCVMC in the Local News
• Events
• Media Contact

June 21, 2010

Quick action by two Santa Clara County Sheriff's deputies is being credited with saving a newborn's life. Deputies, Rick Chaeff and Mike Laddy, were at a coffee shop Monday morning when a woman came in saying her granddaughter was not breathing. Laddy and Chaeff called for emergency crews and rushed outside to help. The baby girl, named Isys and just 17 days old, was being cradled in her mother’s arms.

When the deputies got to her, she was limp and purple, and her mother was distraught. Deputy Chaeff checked for breath and there was none, so he began CPR. On the fourth try, he was able to force air into her body. She eventually started breathing on her own and let out a cry.

Paramedics brought the baby to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, where she has been held for observation. The Pediatrics Department at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center has more than 80 board certified physicians in pediatrics, pediatric trauma and nearly every pediatric sub-specialty. These highly-skilled physicians provide care for more that 50,000 patients and attend over 1,000 high-risk births each year.

Isys was discharged from the medical center on Tuesday. “I’m pleased our Sheriff Deputies knew CPR and were able to administer it so successfully in the field. I’m also glad that the paramedics were quick in bringing Isys to us,” commented Dr. Steve Harris, Chair of the Pediatrics Department. “Our great team of doctors and nurses are always pleased when they are a part of a successful outcome.”

Source: Information from a story in the San Jose Mercury News.