A Barnegat 21-year-old mom and her newborn infant can look forward to happy times. But it didn't look that way at first to quick-thinking Barnegat police officers who leaped into action today, to restart the baby's heart right after entering the world.

Barnegat home where Elizabeth Whitehead gave birth in the front yard
Barnegat home where Elizabeth Whitehead gave birth in the front yard (WCAU TV)
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According to information provided by Lieutenant Keith Germain, Officers Michael Moore and Vincent Damiano were dispatched to Pulaski Drive where Elizabeth Whitehead had just delivered on her front lawn on Tuesday.

Arriving within three minutes of the report, the patrol team found the baby with no pulse, not drawing air.

The officers began cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the newborn and employed lifesaving procedures. Moore continued CPR while the ambulance whisked them to Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahwkin. A second medical transport unit ferried Elizabeth, accompanied by Damiano.

Police say the officers' efforts allowed the infant to regain a stable heart rhythm and normal breathing. The baby was sent from SOMC to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune.

Elizabeth Whitehead was treated at SOMC and released.

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