A British father has paid tribute to the attentive medical professionals who saved his five-year-old son’s life, after he choked on some grapes.
Steve Hulbert, from Bristol, took to Facebook to share his family’s terrifying experience – and to praise all those who helped them in their hour of need.
He posted a photo to his page, showing young Oli lying in a hospital bed, hooked up to machines, admitting that he came ‘very close to losing him’.
Steve recounted how Oli lost consciousness after choking on grapes, and how his ‘frantic efforts’ to try and save him didn’t work. Everything changed when the emergency medics arrived on the scene, thankfully.
“I ran to the ambulance carrying a limp boy with blue lips and wide staring eyes, to hand him into the care of three incredible men. They immediately set to work with the ultimate calmness and efficiency that only true professionalism can bring,” he wrote.
“They fought for 10 minutes before support arrived from two more paramedics vehicles, and the air ambulance. And then, in a moment that changed the course of our lives, they dislodged the grape, and Oli sucked in air.
“His eyes came into focus, and I dared to dream.”
From there, Oli was brought the Royal Bristol Children’s Hospital, where he has been recovering ever since.
Sharing his relief that his son’s life was saved, Steve took the opportunity to thank all involved for their incredible work – and ‘celebrate all that is good with the NHS’.
“I want to shout thanks from the rooftops, to the paramedics that arrived quickly enough to save Oli’s life,” he added.
“I want to share with everyone how the team at the hospital exceeded every possible expectation and delivered care, compassion and information with smiles and warmth.
“We are incredibly lucky to have this institution and the people that dedicate their lives to making ours better. I will be forever in debt.”
We are so relieved to hear that young Oli was saved after this frightening accident, and we wish him all the best with the rest of his recovery.
Well done to everyone who helped to save his life, and, indeed, all those who dedicate their lives to helping others in these situations.
