Chicago police save unresponsive premature baby

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Two Chicago police officers saved a premature infant who was born at home suddenly and was unresponsive.

Officers Mark Palazzolo and Maritza Bautista got to a home in Little Village where the mother had given birth to a 34-week-old in her basement. The little baby wasn't breathing and a mother's instinct kicked in.

"I performed CPR on the child, chest compressions and breaths until the fire department arrived," Officer Palazzolo said.

"For me, I think it was being a mom myself, and also my partner, my partner took complete control of the situation. And that helped me keep calm and focused on what I was doing and I think that helped all of us overall focus on the baby," Officer Maritza Bautista said.

The officers said they had never responded to a call like this.

Police said the baby is now stable and is now being treated at Mount Sinai Hospital.