A mother's quick reflexes and calm thinking saved her young daughter's life after the child began choking on a sweet at their home in Weston-super-Mare.
Claire Stephens, 32, had just given her four-year-old daughter, Lacey, a sweet when the little girl suddenly started struggling to breathe. "Her face turned red, and she couldn't make a sound—it was terrifying," Claire recalled.
Remembering a first aid technique she had seen in an online video, Claire immediately performed the Heimlich manoeuvre. After several attempts, the sweet dislodged, and Lacey could breathe again.
"I didn't even think—I just acted," Claire said. "I'm so grateful I'd watched that video. Every parent should learn basic first aid."
Paramedics later praised Claire for her swift response, confirming that her actions had prevented a potential tragedy. "Choking incidents can escalate quickly, especially with young children," a spokesperson said. "Knowing what to do in those critical moments is vital."
Claire now hopes her story will encourage other parents to learn basic life-saving skills. "You never think it will happen to you—until it does," she added.
