A young detective received an award for saving a life in a local hospital parking lot in 2024.
Detective Lauren Montgomery Gist heard parents crying in February, after finishing interviews at the University Health Truman Medical Center. A video shows her rushing to aid a choking baby who wasn’t breathing. She dislodged an object from the child’s throat.
“I took the baby and put her over my forearm, like they teach you in first aid,” Montgomery Gist explained.
Gist then took quick action to save the baby’s life.
“I gave her two or three good whacks to the back, and thankfully, she coughed,” said Gist.
The Kansas City Police Department recently honored Det. Montgomery Gist with the Life-Saving Award.
Montgomery Gist, an assault squad detective, advised potential police officers.
“If you’re on the fence, do some ride-alongs,” Montgomery Gist recommended. “See what it’s really like day to day.”
