Shopping centre security guard saves toddler from choking

A security guard at The Bridges shopping centre in Sunderland saved a toddler from choking to death, after a piece of food got stuck in his mouth at Esquires cafe in the shopping centre.

Security guard Carl Simpson, removed the trapped piece of sausage using the Heimlich manoeuvre, and slapping toddler Jayden Percy on the back.

Paramedics were on their way to the scene and other workers at the shopping centre were about to call for the air ambulance when Simpson stepped in.

The boy’s mother Sarah Gray, 25, said: “He just started choking and I was just in shock and I was trying to tip him up to get it out and then my sister tried and couldn’t get it up. The security guard came running over and managed to get it straight out.

“Jayden was just shocked and he was crying, but then an hour later he was running around like it had never happened.”

Simpson had worked at the centre for five years and was carrying out his usual morning checks when he noticed Percy in distress. He said: “A woman came running towards us shouting for help and I said ‘What’s the problem?’ and she explained a toddler was choking.

“His mam [sic] and some other family members were there and I could see he was changing colour to a blue grey. Then he coughed up the big piece and some more blood. It was such a relief. We could see the colour and pink returning to his cheeks.”

Andy Bradley, centre director at The Bridges added: “Without doubt, Carl saved this little boy’s life and we are all incredibly impressed and extremely grateful for his fast actions.

“All of our staff are highly trained in first aid and ready to act quickly in emergency situations like this, as Carl proved on the day when he rushed to Jayden’s aid.”

Percy was checked over by paramedics upon their arrival and then taken to hospital as a precaution.