LUDINGTON, MI, June 14, 2013 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A five-month-old baby is alive today because of a quick-witted Good Samaritan – and a turkey baster.
Bill Hogenson was working on the exterior of a home in Ludington, Michigan, on June 2 when he heard a babysitter in the neighboring house screaming in alarm.
The sitter explained to a 911 operator that "the baby is purple and not breathing," Hogenson remembers.
That's when the former Mason County marine deputy sprinted into action, running into the home and applying emergency CPR to the baby, Nessa Shoup.
But it didn't work.
At a loss, an idea came to him.
"I went into the drawer and found a turkey baster and used the turkey baster to clear her nasal passage and her airway," he said. "She smiled at me, and I knew we were going to be in the good."
Her parents, Shawn Gascoigne and Robin Shoup, said Nessa's epiglottis valve is not fully developed, making her susceptible to choking. Hogeson's innovative methods saved the day – and his girl.
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Nessa's father said, “If it weren’t for him, we wouldn’t have this beautiful baby here right now, and we are forever grateful.”
Hogeson says he will never forget Nessa, either.
“Ever since then when I see her, she gives me a smile," Hogensen told local reporters. "It kind of gives us a bond for life."