A family from Merthyr Tydfil has spoken out about their terrifying ordeal during what was supposed to be a dream holiday in Greece, raising serious concerns about travel giant TUI's emergency response protocols.
Holiday Paradise Turns to Panic
Rhian and Paul Broomfield's relaxing getaway to the Greek island of Kos turned into every parent's worst nightmare when their 20-year-old daughter, Lowri, suddenly stopped breathing in their hotel room. The family had chosen TUI for their summer holiday, expecting professional service and adequate safety measures.
Critical Minutes Lost
When the medical emergency struck, the family immediately contacted hotel reception for assistance. Shockingly, they were informed that the hotel had no defibrillator available and that they should call an ambulance themselves. This critical delay in emergency response could have had devastating consequences.
"She just stopped breathing," recalled Rhian Broomfield, describing the heart-stopping moment. "We were absolutely terrified. When you're in a foreign country and something like this happens, you rely on the holiday company to have proper emergency procedures in place."
Family Forced to Administer Emergency Care
With precious minutes ticking away, the family had to take matters into their own hands. Paul Broomfield, Lowri's father, performed CPR on his daughter while waiting for medical help to arrive. The absence of basic emergency equipment and the lack of immediate professional assistance left the family feeling abandoned during their most critical moment.
TUI's Response Under Fire
Following the incident, TUI has faced mounting criticism about their emergency preparedness at partner hotels. The company stated they are "very concerned" about the family's experience and are conducting a thorough investigation into what occurred.
A TUI spokesperson commented: "The health and safety of our customers is always our highest priority. We are in contact with the family and are supporting them with our welfare team while we investigate this with the hotel."
Broader Implications for Travel Industry
This incident raises important questions about:
- Emergency equipment requirements at holiday accommodation
- Staff training for medical emergencies
- Tour operators' responsibility for customer safety
- Communication protocols during crises
The Broomfield family's experience serves as a stark reminder to all travellers to verify emergency procedures and medical facilities when booking holidays abroad.
Lowri has since recovered from the incident, but the psychological impact on the family remains. They are now working with TUI to ensure no other family has to endure similar circumstances while on holiday.
