Deputies with the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office used a specialized airway device to save a 16-month-old child who was choking on Monday, the department said.

Authorities responded to a report involving a toddler who was not breathing and turning blue. Officials said they found the child in critical condition.

The sheriff’s office said deputies used a DeCHOKER device, which had been placed in patrol vehicles as part of a preparedness initiative made several years ago. The department said one suction pull with the device successfully dislodged the object blocking the child’s airway.

Following the intervention, the child began breathing again.

The sheriff’s office said the child is now safe and recovering.

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