Watch This Nurse-Turned-Cop Save A Life In Newark

NEWARK, NJ — Claudia Martinez was a licensed nurse before she became a police officer. And during a potentially life-threating medical episode in Newark last week, she put those skills to work – big time.

During the early morning hours on Saturday, Martinez and her partner responded to a call of a sick or injured person at a residence on the 500-block of Market Street. After arriving on the scene, the officers found an unresponsive 29-year-old man on the living room floor, according to the Newark Department of Public Safety.

Martinez, who served as a nurse prior to becoming a police officer, saw that the victim had no pulse and wasn’t breathing. That’s when she began performing chest compressions on the victim, while her partner immediately called for EMS aid.

Following several moments of chest compressions, a pulse was detected and the victim began breathing on his own. He was then transported to University Hospital for further treatment, authorities said.

“I commend Officer Martinez for applying her training as a licensed practical nurse to perform life-saving chest compressions, reviving an unresponsive man and preventing a tragedy,” Newark Public Safety Director Brian O’Hara said.

“Every second counts when someone stops breathing,” O’Hara said. “I’m grateful that both of these first responders took the necessary, immediate steps to assist the victim.”

Newark police released body camera footage of the incident. Watch the video below. NOTE: Viewer discretion advised.

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