Chelmsford firefighters thanked for helping to save 18-month-old boy

A family have thanked firefighters after they assisted in saving the life of a toddler.

On Wednesday 14 February, a woman ran into Chelmsford Fire Station asking for medical attention for an 18-month-old boy who had been having a seizure and fell unconscious while out with his mum.

Firefighters from the station’s Blue Watch sprung into action giving trauma care to the boy while calling for an ambulance.

Firefighters Thomas Bunting and Steven Small immediately put their training into action and were quick to take charge of the situation. They worked to give trauma care to the boy until the Ambulance Service arrived and together they were able to help him regain consciousness.

He was taken to hospital for further treatment. The boy’s family have got in touch to thank the firefighters for their help and shared the good news that he is making a good recovery.

Watch Manager Gavin Ellis from Chelmsford Fire Station said: “We’re so pleased that the woman, who had been driving along the road and spotted the baby having a seizure in his mother’s arms, had the quick thinking and confidence to come to the fire station for help. She’d stopped and offered to take the pair to the hospital but with rush hour traffic building up, she didn’t want to take any chances in delaying medical attention.

“As soon as the situation presented itself, crews did not hesitate to fetch trauma bags from the fire engines and immediately start trauma care.

“We’re all trained in first aid and we do have to use our training often, but it is always scary when a child is involved. I’ve never been so pleased to see an ambulance in my life and it was amazing to see our ambulance colleagues in their roles bringing the boy back around. The best news we could have received is that he’s making a good recovery.”

Firefighters are trained to respond to a variety of incidents and saving lives is at the heart of what they do. Does this sound like something you could do? Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is currently recruiting whole time and on-call firefighters. Search Join Essex Fire to find out more.