Daijiworld Media Network - Clifton, Arizona
Clifton, Arizona, Aug 2: A routine visit to a post office turned into a life-threatening emergency when an 8-month-old baby stopped breathing, but the quick action of a former nurse working as a postal clerk helped save the infant’s life.
The incident took place on July 11 at the Greenlee County post office in Clifton, where baby Nova was brought by her mother, Kylie Vega, to mail a package. Moments after arriving, Vega noticed that her daughter had gone limp and was no longer breathing.
As Vega tried to help by patting the baby’s back, Mary Schwarz, a postal clerk with 13 years of nursing experience, immediately stepped in.
Schwarz checked for a pulse and, finding none, began performing CPR. After hearing Vega tell a 911 dispatcher that the baby may have attempted to vomit and could be choking, Schwarz also used back thrusts to try to clear the airway.
The combination of CPR and efforts to remove the obstruction proved critical during the first few minutes of the emergency.
Clifton Police Lt. Shari Aguilar, who was nearby, quickly arrived at the scene and joined Schwarz in assisting the infant. Knowing Schwarz’s medical background, Aguilar worked with her to stabilise Nova.
Aguilar then decided to rush the baby to a nearby clinic rather than wait for an ambulance. Schwarz held Nova in the front passenger seat while Aguilar drove. The baby reportedly began breathing again midway to the clinic before doctors took over her care.
Nova was later shifted to Banner University Medical Center in Tucson for further treatment.
For mother Kylie Vega, the incident was a terrifying experience that began with an ordinary errand. She expressed deep gratitude towards Schwarz and Aguilar, saying their immediate response gave her daughter a chance to survive.
Vega described Nova as "the rainbow" of her life, saying the child holds a special place in her heart after overcoming several health challenges.
The emergency came amid Nova’s ongoing medical struggles. Vega said the baby was born with a hole in her heart and without one of the arteries needed for proper circulation. Nova underwent surgery on July 21 to repair the heart defect and remains hospitalised while recovering.
Schwarz later highlighted the importance of CPR training, saying emergencies can happen anywhere — not just in hospitals or emergency settings, but also at homes, swimming pools or everyday places such as a post office.
The rescue also created a lasting bond between the two families. Vega and Schwarz have since connected on Facebook, with Vega continuing to share updates about Nova’s recovery.
What began as a simple trip to mail a package became a moment of extraordinary courage and quick thinking, with Schwarz’s medical instincts, Aguilar’s swift action and Vega’s call for help helping save the infant’s life.