Police rush to help choking baby while mother looks on helplessly

Two officers from Palm Beach, Florida, acted quickly when they saw a frantic mother trying to help her choking a 14-month-old baby.

Ana Jaramillo de Graham was sitting in the mall when baby Lucia choked on a chicken nugget. Her screams quickly alerted officers Robert Ayala and Rafael Guadalupe, who come running.

The security camera footage was shared on the VIN News YouTube channel, and viewers were informed via the caption that the incident took place on July 21.

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While Officer Ayala tried to dislodge the food nuggets, Officer Guadalupe attended to Graham and tried to calm her down. Graham added:

"I sat on the floor panicked. I just wanted to make sure she was OK."

Mall-goers and security soon gathered around to see what the commotion was about, and a frantic Graham can be seen holding on to Guadalupe's arm.

Graham later described the ordeal, saying it was frightening to see Lucia's "eyes wide open" when she "tried to do something with her mouth" but couldn't cough or make a sound.

Her pediatrician had walked her through what to do in just such a situation, but she was too panicked to focus and called for help.

Lucia was given a clean bill of health, and Graham thanked the officers for stepping up and taking charge of the situation when she couldn't. She added:

"Thank you so many officers — because if it weren’t for you guys, we probably, definitely wouldn’t be here with our Lucia."

According to Baby Center, the first step is to assess the situation calmly. If the obstruction cannot be dislodged under two minutes, call 911.

Start with back blows by striking the child firmly between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.

Do five, and if that doesn't work, do abdominal thrusts. Alternate the two methods.