Dad saves tot from choking

SO relieved . . . Gareth, Terrie and baby Apryl

WHEN their 10-month-old baby turned blue and stiff as she choked on her food, terrified parents Terrie Hall and Gareth Morris were scared they would lose her forever.

But cool-headed dad Gareth jumped into action and hit little Apryl on her back repeatedly until the blockage was dislodged. Doctors later praised his quick-thinking response as "lifesaving".

Now Gareth and fiancée Terrie are sharing their story in a bid to warn other parents and encourage more people to consider learning potentially life-saving first aid.

Nightmare

The shocking incident happened earlier this month after the couple had been for a day out with their children Chloe (9), Leah (6) and Apryl, who will turn one on April 15.

After picking up a takeaway for dinner they cut up some chips as a treat for baby Apryl and settled down to eat as a family.

The nightmare began when the youngster ate a small portion, no bigger than half a grape in size, only for it to become lodged in her throat.

Terrie (28) said: "It happened so quickly. She started heaving and then turned blue and stiff ­- she felt more like a doll than a child.

"I had no idea what to do. I couldn't even use the keypad on my phone to try to call for help ­- I just froze. I was so scared, I really thought we were going to lose her."

Luckily Gareth picked up the choking tot and swung into action.

"At first it didn't seem to be doing anything but then she let out a small cry and I used my finger to remove the food but she was still choking," he said.

"I carried on hitting her on the back, probably over a dozen times, until the last bit came out.

"I was so relieved."

The parents took Apryl to the hospital and ensured she was OK after her ordeal, with doctors confirming she had no injuries from the shocking incident.

Gareth added: "I described what had happened and what I'd done and they said I'd done everything right.

"They told me that I'd saved her life. It was just instinct, I'd never had to do anything like that before and I'd never had any first aid training.

"I'm happy that I was able to act but I know I'll never forget what happened or how she looked when she started to choke."

The family, from Holts, confirmed Apryl was now back to her adorable self but Terrie said the incident has made her more wary at meal times.

"It has completely shaken our family and I'm still upset about what could have happened," she said.

"I've gone back to giving her pureed food and I'm cutting up everything into the smallest of pieces.

"I just keep thinking what could have happened if she'd choked on toast when I was on my own with her one morning.

"I'm so thankful that Gareth was there and he acted so quickly.

"You think, because it's your third child, you know what you're doing and you're prepared for everything but it showed us that first aid is so important to learn.

"I've already been researching it and I'm hoping to learn more soon."