Baby CPR training help Winkle mom save toddler’s life

A Winklespruit mother is counting her lucky stars after CPR training helped her save a toddler’s life.

Andi Lawless (38) runs a stimulating workshop for mothers and babies up to three-and-a-half years at her home. She signed up to do an infants’ CPR class with Kingsway High School intermediate paramedic, Chris Botha on 26 May and two weeks later it paid the highest dividends.

“It’s important for moms to know what to do in a crisis. A lot of my moms signed up for Chris’ class, so I thought I would do it with them,” she said. Little did she know that on 4 June her training would save a 18-month-old’s life. The family requested his identity be kept secret.

“The child’s mother gave him a piece of apple to eat while we made coffee after one of my classes. He was standing by the kitchen door, eating his apple. When we turned around, I could immediately see he was battling to breathe.”

Andi’s instinct and training kicked in. She held the little boy upside down and gave him a thump on the back. The piece of apple came flying out, along with his breakfast.

“To do a CPR course is definitely worth it,” said Andi. “I highly recommend it. When you think of first aid, you think of CPR for adults. Babies are different, especially infants and toddlers. It’s very important for moms with small children to know what to do in a crisis situation.”

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Andi, who has three children of her own, said she never thought of taking a first aid class before. “My family has always been involved in first aid, so I think it’s in my genes. I always thought I would know what to do in a crisis. My oldest child did choke once but fortunately my friend, who is a nurse, was there when it happened.

Thankfully I knew what to do when the little boy started to choke. It happens so fast, it is easy to panic. But with what Chris taught me, I was calm and I knew what I had to do. I assessed the situation, stayed calm and acted correctly.”

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First aid essentials for children is an one-day course aimed at anyone who takes care of young ones from birth to puberty. “I think it’s necessary for everyone to do it, especially before the holiday season when we often see a lot of drownings and little ones getting into difficulties,” said Chris.

“This case proves how important it is to teach CPR to parents and child minders. For every minute that CPR is not done in a crisis situation, the patient has a 10% less chance of survival.”