Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this article are selected by our writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, Daily Mail Australia will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information.
A heroic nurse has told of the heart-stopping moment she saved the life of a stranger’s six-month-girl after she choked on food in the middle of a park.
Heidi Young, who has worked as a paediatric nurse in hospitals across Australia and the UK for 23 years, was enjoying a sunny afternoon with her family at a park in Sydney when a distressing incident unfolded.
The family could hear a mum’s frantic cries for help echoing through the park after her baby daughter stopped breathing.
The mum was having a picnic when her little girl suddenly became unresponsive after choking on a small piece of sausage.
Within seconds, the baby’s tiny face turned grey, leaving her distraught mum in a panic as she screamed hysterically, unsure of what to do.
The off-duty, quick-thinking nurse sprang into action and stepped in to help.
Staying calm, Heidi, a mother herself, began delivering a series of sharp back blows, between the baby’s shoulder blades with the palm of her hand, hoping to dislodge the blockage from her throat.
After nearly five back blows, the situation looked grim as the baby wasn’t responding, leaving Heidi to fear she might need to resort to chest thrusts or even baby CPR.
‘Everything slowed down in that moment,’ Heidi recalled.
‘I was laser-focused, running through my training in my mind, ready to do whatever it took to save that little girl.’
Suddenly, a moment of relief came when the baby started vomiting as she gasped for air, and shortly after, she was breathing normally again.
Heidi was filled with a flood of emotions, ranging from fear and relief to overwhelming gratitude, after she revived the baby.
The terrifying yet life-saving ordeal sparked an idea for the nurse.
With decades of experience, the mum was determined to start her own business offering baby first aid courses to help parents be prepared in the event of an emergency, wherever they are.
Choking is one of the leading causes of injury in young kids so Heidi warns that every parent should know about baby first aid.
‘I knew what to do because I had the training,’ Heidi said.
‘I acted on instinct, without hesitation… I didn’t pause to think, I simply acted. That’s the kind of confidence I want every parent to have when faced with an emergency.’
The nurse launched The Nest, Kids CPR & Allergy, a service dedicated to teaching parents how to respond effectively to choking, allergic reactions and other injuries in young kids.
The courses cover all the common baby-related emergencies, as well as how to introduce common allergy foods and recognise a reaction.
With hands-on courses led by paediatric specialists, parents learn to act decisively in emergencies, and without fear, just like second nature.
‘If it hadn’t been for my training, the outcome could have been devastating,’ Heidi said.
‘Every parent deserves to feel equipped and empowered to protect their children.’
Parents who have completed The Nest CPR course have shared their glowing reviews online.
‘Absolutely incredible course! Everything I thought I knew was wrong! Having kids means unexpected things happen and this just helped put my mind at ease knowing I have the knowledge to help if need be! Highly recommend,’ one mum said.
‘Heidi ran a really great session in our home for our parent’s group. It was super easy to organise and Heidi was super flexible. Doing the infant and child first aid session definitely gave us peace of mind now that our baby is starting solids and moving around a lot more. I highly recommend it,’ another shared.
‘As a soon to be first-time parents, it was really important to my husband and I to do this course. It was very informative and even with my nine month pregnancy brain was able to focus! Thank you again… you did do an amazing job,’ one added.
The business now offers home courses across Sydney and Melbourne, as well as an online option for parents nationwide.
In a world where seconds matter, Heidi said these skills can mean the difference between life and death.
