A refuse truck driver in Vernon, Conn., is being credited with helping save a choking toddler after spotting a distressed mother on the roadside while on his route.

Doug Haiko, who drives for the Town of Vernon, was traveling in the town when he noticed a car pulled over and a visibly upset woman with a young child.

“The lady was shaking her child,” Haiko said, in a news release. “Something wasn’t right.”

Haiko stopped his truck and asked if everything was OK. The woman told him her 18-month-old son was choking.

Haiko exited his vehicle, took the child and began administering back blows in an effort to clear the boy’s airway. He said training he received years earlier as a medical response technician quickly came back to him.

“I put him on his belly and hit his back,” Haiko said. “That helps my daughter.”

Used radio to call for assistance

Initial attempts did not immediately work, and the child began showing signs of distress. Haiko used his truck radio to call for assistance while continuing to deliver back blows. Moments later, the child began breathing again.

While waiting for emergency responders, Haiko noticed the boy was cold and wrapped him in his coat.

Mom expresses gratitude

Police, fellow public works staff and an ambulance arrived shortly after. Paramedics examined the child and told Haiko he had done the right thing.

The child’s mother expressed her gratitude for Haiko’s actions.

“It was incredible of him to do that,” she said. “It was very, very wonderful. He went above and beyond for us. We are just really grateful for him.”

Once emergency crews confirmed the situation was under control, Haiko returned to his truck and continued his route.