Four-year-old Amelia Rogers from Cambuslang, Scotland, had a harrowing experience when she choked on a chicken nugget at home. The terrifying incident unfolded when the nugget became lodged in her throat, leaving her unable to breathe. Despite her parents’ efforts to dislodge the blockage by slapping her back, the situation quickly escalated, and little Amelia lost consciousness, sending her parents into a panic. Heather, Amelia’s mother, immediately dialled 999, reaching North ACC call handler Fiona Shovlin, who stayed on the line to provide life-saving instructions while help was on the way.
The swift response of the ambulance crew, comprised of technician Jordan Allan Gallacher and paramedic Jennifer Craig from East Kilbride Station, proved to be crucial in saving Amelia’s life. Fiona Shovlin, the call handler, remained composed and focused throughout the call, guiding the panicked parents and reassuring them until help arrived. Barry, Amelia’s father, expressed his gratitude towards the paramedics, acknowledging their calm and methodical approach in handling the emergency. He recounted the sheer terror of the moment, emphasising how close they were to losing their daughter and praising the ambulance staff for their professionalism.
Upon the ambulance’s arrival, the paramedics took over from Barry and transported the unconscious Amelia to University Hospital Hairmyres. Despite the gravity of the situation, the paramedics’ expertise and prompt actions resulted in Amelia’s successful resuscitation, allowing her to be discharged in time for Christmas morning. Barry and Heather expressed their immense gratitude towards the ambulance staff, recognising the pivotal role they played in ensuring a positive outcome during what could have been a tragic turn of events. The couple credited the paramedics as their “three superstars” on what was undoubtedly the most frightening day of their lives.
Reflecting on the incident, Fiona Shovlin shared her perspective as the call handler, detailing the urgency and intensity of the situation as she guided the distressed parents before the paramedics arrived. Jordan Allan Gallacher, one of the responding paramedics, described the critical condition in which they found Amelia and underscored the importance of their timely intervention. Both Jordan and his colleague Jennifer Craig expressed their relief and joy upon learning that Amelia had recovered well, highlighting the rewarding nature of their work in saving lives and reuniting families.
The Rogers family’s ordeal serves as a poignant reminder of the invaluable service provided by emergency responders in times of crisis. The quick thinking and skilful actions of the paramedics not only saved a young life but also brought solace and joy to a family facing a potentially devastating loss. The profound impact of this experience will forever resonate with the Rogers family, who remain indebted to the paramedics for their unwavering dedication and life-saving efforts. Amelia’s miraculous recovery stands as a testament to the professionalism and compassion exhibited by the paramedics, embodying the true essence of heroism in the face of adversity.