A 20 year old Irish student has received great praise for her brave actions after she saved the life of a young toddler after he choked on a chocolate button.
The hero Ms Becky Topping a student nurse from Carrickfergus, literally jumped into action on Sunday evening when she stopped the young boy from choking when she held the toddler over her arm and slapped his back until the chocolate button was released from his throat.
A modest Becky told Belfast Live,that the incident highlighted how important it was for everyone to have basic first aid skills.
Becky said: “My friend and I were out for frozen yoghurt and we were sat two tables away from the mother.” “She jumped up and I could see she was flustered and saying, ‘No, no, no’. I got up and could see the boy was in his buggy and she was trying to pull him out but was struggling with the belt.”
“She got him out and I could see his face was purple so I just took him off her and threw him over my arm and slapped his back. “It all happened very quickly, the whole thing was about 30 seconds. He threw up and there was a large chocolate button whole in his sick.”
The quick thinking young woman also said she told her story in order to help raise awareness for the importance of knowing basic first aid.
Becky explained: “The thing I want to get across is for everyone to know basic first aid skills.” “That and to be aware of large objects and the dangers of choking, especially for young kids because they explore everything with their mouths.”
“I think everyone should know first aid. You do not think you will be called on to ever put it into practice but this shows you can. “Even by watching a three minute video online it can help.”