Cypriot cop saves baby in Athens

A Cypriot police officer, who was on vacation in Athens, sprang into action when he noticed the parents of a baby that stopped breathing were calling for help.

Marios Aristides, a 41-year-old Greek Cypriot, was taking a stroll in Kato Patisia, Athens, when a car pulled up right next to him with a man and a woman in panic mode calling for help, according to Cyprus News Agency.

“At first, I thought this had to be some sort of a scam, but as soon as I saw the infant, I realized it was facing a serious problem,” Aristides told CNA.

The police officer sprang into action, performing CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) but without getting a response from the 18-month-old toddler.

“This was very alarming based on my experience,” said Aristides, who happens to be a CPR trainer himself and was once awarded for bravery after saving a couple during a river incident in Paphos.

“I did whatever I could, and finally the baby responded despite the difficult situation,” he said.

The baby was taken to a local children’s hospital where it remained for treatment.

It was not clear whether the infant had suffered a breath-holding spell or if something more serious took place. Reports from the hospital later said the baby had lost consciousness while breastfeeding, according to CNA.