Gran’s hold saves boy
Guardian Angel: Stephanie Stuart is happy her grandson is alive.
Wed, July 28, 2010 - 12:00 AM
A GRANNY who saved her three-year-old grandson’s life using the Heimlich manoeuvre is advocating that it be taught to everyone.
Even though she learned the life-saving procedure several years ago, Stephanie Stuart, of Block 2G, The Ivy, St Michael, said everything she was taught came back to her in a flash when Machai swallowed a coin, started choking and slipped into a semi-conscious state.
It all happened last Wednesday about 9:45 p.m. Stuart said she was walking towards her friend’s bar in the Ivy when she heard her daughter who lived a short distance away screaming “help! help”.
“The first thing that went through my head was that somebody went to rob her or rape her. I ran to her and saw her holding my grandson in her hands and crying and screaming that he like he swallow something.
“He was lying in her arms and his eyes were bulging out and he was like gasping for breath. My daughter told me let us take him to FMH or the hospital. I told her that he would die before we get him there.
“I held my grandson around his waist and I jerk his body and he started to vomit. I did it about seven times and all I was saying was: ‘God Please don’t take him’.
“Then I held him under the arms and I started to hit his chest about five or seven times and I heard him say, ‘Huh’.
“I thought he was gone. But I put my finger in his mouth and I get a little passage I felt something like metal stuck at the side of his throat so I turned him over and pull it out. And when I look, 25 cents came out and hit me in my stomach.
Stuart said she and her daughter ran back to her daughter’s house with the child in their arms.
“He was just laying [there] and staring; so I held him in my arms and I gave him some little slaps on his face and I ask him, ‘Machai, who I am?’ and he whispered, ‘Brown Cat Gran-Gran’.
“I smiled because that is what he calls me; and I knew he was okay.”
Stuart said she first learned the manoeuvre when she was a Girl Guide and then several years ago she also took a CPR class.
“I never thought that the day would come when I would have to use it. I want all the adults and even the children to learn CPR. It should be taught in the schools and the community centres.
“This is the summer vacation and a lot of children are home getting up to mischief. My daughter was not negligent – she was folding clothes and she told him to go into the bed so that she could put him to sleep.
“She did not even know that he put the money in his mouth. These things can happen.”
Stuart said the next day she called her family doctor and told him about the incident.
“He told me that it was very good what I did; that I saved his life. He is okay now and he is back to his old self playing and running around. But now whenever he finds money he brings it to us; so he would never put it in his mouth again.
“I thank God that I was able to save his life, because he is my only grandchild and I love him.”
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The act of bravery by this grand mother to save her grandson should be applauded.
I believe that all teachers should be taught CPR and First Aid and government should make it compulsory that they undertake training through the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the BDF.
Prior to the start of the school year a one day training session should be held where all teachers are trained in the basic fundamentals of CPR and First Aid.
Both above mentioned institutions have a cadre of experienced and well trained instructors who can deliver the programme not only to teachers but also to the wider community.
CPR can save a life as is evidenced here with this little boy being saved by his grandmother.
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Comment LinkThis is a really amazing story. Its great to read about a story with a happy ending. Gran you really are a hero!!
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Comment LinkAs someone who was taught CPR I can only say how proud I am of this grandmother and her quick thinking in using what was taught to her even if it was years ago.
I hope more people learn CPR as a result. Kudos to you Ms. Stuart.
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Comment LinkCPR Friend I agree with you. In many developed countries, Employers and Trade Unions have made provision for the appointment of a Health and safety officers from among their staff members. These officers are given proper and adequate training in CPR and safety practices including organising fire drills etc.
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Comment LinkIt is so breath taking to read a story like this.
You are one brave woman. Some people learn it but in situations like that, nerves can get the better of them making them forget what they learned. But thank God that you were able to apply it.
“Brown Cat Gran-Gran” you are indeed Machai’s hero!
Blessings!!!!
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