A GRANDMOTHER has urged people to take first-aid classes after she saved her granddaughter's life.
Beverley Fox was baking with four-year-old Sienna when she noticed she had swallowed part of her earring, which got lodged in her throat.
Beverley had recently completed a first-aid course and quickly put her training into action.
She bent Sienna over her arm and delivered several blows to her back until the earring was dislodged.
The 57-year-old, of Kilburn, said: "Although in a panic and not sure if I could actually do the first aid, the training just kicked in.
"First aid was something I had always wanted to learn but never felt confident enough to go ahead with.
"As a parent and a grandparent I can say it is an invaluable skill and I recommend everyone to make that attempt to attend a course.''
Beverley went through a similar trauma with her daughter, Lauren, while on holiday in France in 1996.
Lauren, who was seven, choked on a boiled sweet and Linda Rouleston – Beverley's sister – was able to save her.
Beverley urged others to take part in the course.
"You never know when you might need it and it could save the life of someone you love," she added.
St John Ambulance provides training and has launched a spoof safety film to encourage parents to enrol on their courses.
Safety Suit shows a child trying to enjoy the outdoors while wrapped in a padded suit he received from his parents for his birthday.
St John Ambulance said that parents should learn the skills to treat their children if they hurt themselves. Its research shows that 98 per cent of parents think it is important to learn first aid but only 51 per cent have learned the skills in the last three years.
It showed that 20 per cent said their children had accidents on holiday that had required immediate first aid.
Chris Thornton, regional director for St John Ambulance, said: "Safety Suit is a funny film with a serious message: you don't need to wrap your children in cotton wool to protect them.
"Parents who learn first aid gain the peace of mind to let children enjoy everything childhood has to offer, as well as the knowledge to look after them, whatever happens.
"Young people should be able to enjoy an exciting, carefree summer. Just taking a few minutes to learn some skills on our website will help make that a reality."
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
