SAS Save Girl’s Life After Choking on a Chicken Nugget on Christmas Eve

The family of a young girl will be forever grateful to the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) staff who saved their daughter’s life after she choked on a chicken nugget on Christmas Eve.

Barry and Heather Rodgers, of Cambuslang, were at home with their four-year-old daughter, Amelia, getting ready for Christmas.

Earlier in the night, they had stopped at a restaurant to pick up dinner for Amelia, who has autism.

Barry said: “She couldn't breathe and lost consciousness. Me and her mum were in a panic because we thought we were losing Amelia. I started to slap her back to try and dislodge whatever was in her throat.”

Heather immediately called 999, getting through to North ACC Call Handler, Fiona Shovlin.
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An ambulance crew, staffed by Jordan Allan Gallacher, Technician and Jennifer Craig, Paramedic, of East Kilbride Station, was dispatched, while Fiona stayed on the phone to give instructions.

Barry added: “I was crying at the time because I thought I was losing her, and when that’s happening you do feel time stand still. We were so hysterical and did swear on a couple of occasions, but the call taker kept her cool, kept her calm and kept reassuring us the ambulance was coming. The ambulance staff were so calm and patient, leaving no stone unturned to make sure Amelia was okay.”

The crew, after arriving within several minutes, took over from Barry, and Amelia was transported to University Hospital Hairmyres before being discharged in time for Christmas morning.

Barry said: “The ambulance staff were fantastic and you have no idea how much we owe them.. This could have been a horrible Christmas. It's not easy when a four-year-old autistic child chokes and becomes unconscious, and I’m scared to think what would have happened. It would have been the worst Christmas of my life. We wouldn’t have Amelia here if not for SAS and we’ll forever be grateful to the three superstars on the most frightening day of our lives on Christmas eve. We thank them and Amelia thanks them.”

Call taker Fiona said: “When I received the call, the caller told me she was limp, was turning blue and was vomiting. At all times, I just needed to remain calm as I could tell they were in a panic because of the situation. They were shouting, nothing bad, and I could tell straight away it wasn’t at me, it was just because of the situation.”

Jordan said when he and Jennifer received the call they were on their way to another call, but were redirected to Amelia, with it triaged as the higher priority call.

He added: “As we got in, the wee one was lying on the floor in the foetal position. It was a very serious situation and we are very lucky things turned out the way they did. Both Jennifer and I were delighted to hear Amelia was fine and she got home in time for Christmas morning.”