MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WTVF) — Dramatic body cam video shows a Murfreesboro police officer saving an infant's life after the child stopped breathing.
The child's parents were calling 911 in a panic as they drove their child to the hospital when a dispatcher urged them to stop. Luckily, MPD Officer Robert Baer just happened to be close by.
One year old Zaire was not breathing at that moment. His father handed him to Officer Baer, who immediately began performing CPR right there on his squad car on the shoulder of Bradyville Pike.
While Baer was focused on chest compressions, he says his mind kept returning to the same thought. "I’m thinking, I have a three year old at home, that’s what I’m thinking about. You know, as I’m doing it. Don’t be the one to let this kid die," said Baer in an interview with NewsChannel 5.
After what felt like an eternity, Baer heard a sound he had been praying for — Zaire was breathing again. "EMS and the fire department said if I hadn’t been there, it may have been a different outcome," he said.
Then Officer Baer got to do something he rarely gets to do in law enforcement — have a happy reunion. Baer paid a visit to Zaire's home and shared a hug with his mother Marchelle Brown. "This is much better than the last time," said Baer.
"I really appreciate it and thank you very much that you saved my son," said Brown.
That won't be the family's last visit with Officer Baer. "I feel like I’ll forever have a bond with that kid," said Baer. "Mom told me don’t be a stranger, making sure I come around and checking on him, so. I’m sure I will continue to do that."
