Meet this week’s “Special Person of the Week:Somerville Police Officer Priscilla Riberio

Dear Billy T,

Subject: Priscilla Riberio

Sir,

I am a Paramedic for Cataldo Ambulance. I have been working in the Somerville Division for approximately 11 years now. I was born and raised here. 

Being a Medic, I have seen many things, some good, some not so good.

Last Tuesday night, May 7th,  I, along with another Paramedic Unit were dispatched to a call on Cross St. The call came in as an “infant not breathing.” The anxiety and fear, palpable. A call “no” medic ever wants to deal with. 

As both units pulled up to the address, a police cruiser was already on scene.

I ran up stairs behind my medic partner  to the second floor, cardiac monitor in hand, first-in bag over my shoulder, ready to work a pediatric arrest. But what we found was a beautiful healthy 20 week old baby boy in the arms of his frightened and crying mother. Pink, Warm and Dry. Breathing normally. In no apparent distress. Standing nearby, was Officer Priscilla Riberio. She appeared frightened, but remained composed.

She told us, she arrived on scene, and found the infant “blue, not breathing.” She began “chest compressions,” and within seconds, the infant began “crying.”

The mother told us, she had been “nursing” the infant, and the infant began “choking” on the breast milk, and became “unresponsive.”

Because of Officer Riberio’s swift actions that Tuesday night on Cross St, I believe a little life was saved. Her ability to keep calm and administer CPR to an unresponsive infant, is beyond “Heroic.” Things could have turned out much differently if not for her quick actions.

The infant was transported to the MGH Boston in stable condition.

Officer Riberio is a “true” Hero. I am honored to know her, serve her and call her my friend. 

Respectfully,

Paramedic Linda Devereaux

Cataldo Ambulance 

Our hats are off to her courage and true Somerville spirit!

We here at the Somerville News Weekly salute you for everything that you do to make Somerville a better place.

Congratulations!