First aid hero Gary saves his mum's life

2 May 2008

Volunteer Gary Smith used his first aid skills to save his own mother’s life – after she choked on a cracker.

Gary’s mum, Glynis, collapsed and stopped breathing at their family home in New York, North Tyneside after sneaking downstairs for a midnight snack. While his dad called 999, Gary – a trained first aider – sprang into action.

The 27-year-old hero told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle: “I was in bed asleep when I heard my dad screaming for me. I ran in and mam was on the floor. She had collapsed and gone limp, so I started to resuscitate her.”

Life-saving treatment

Glynis, who suffers from a rare neurological condition, gradually slipped into a coma as her son battled to save her life. However, the brave first aider maintained his life-saving treatment until the ambulance arrived. She was then rushed to hospital where doctors managed to stabilise her.

When she woke, Glynis had no recollection of what had happened but was very grateful for her son’s quick thinking and speedy action. She later said: “It’s brilliant what Gary did and I’m very proud of him.”

The first aider, who works at Tesco in North Shields, said: “I never thought I’d ever have to use my first aid skills on my own family.”

Unsurprisingly, Glynis hasn’t touched a cracker since. She said: “They tried to give me cheese and crackers when I was in hospital, but I thought no way. They are banned from the house now.”

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