Dad praises New Forest people who helped save 18-month-old toddler

Rob Bond, 36, and members of his family were visiting the New Forest when 18-month-old Sadie appeared to stop breathing.

They were sitting in the Fox and Hounds pub in Lyndhurst when Sadie's eyes suddenly rolled backwards as she slept in her pushchair.

Rob grabbed his daughter and ran outside, shouting for help.

Those who dashed to his aid included a GP who was walking down the High Street, an off-duty paramedic who had oxygen in his car, and PC Carl Peverill, who kept their family calm during their ordeal.

Sadie was rushed to University Hospital Southampton, where she recovered over the next few hours.

Rob Bond ran down Lyndhurst High Street, shouting for help, after his baby daughter was taken ill. (Image: Newsquest)

Rob said: "I want to thank the amazing GP who I happened to come across as I ran down the road with my little girl in my arms.

"She appeared within seconds and took total control of the situation.

"I'd also like to thank a nurse who supported us throughout, an off-duty paramedic who pulled up in his car and a police officer who kept us reassured."

READ MORE: Impatient drivers sound their horns as ambulance crew helps child who has stopped breathing 

Rob also praised the ambulance crew and the hospital staff for the way they looked after the entire family.

He added: "There were many other people who helped - a lady who bought me a bottle of water, a man who offered to drive me to hospital, and the staff at A R Pharmacy, who came out with equipment for the medical team.

"They were brilliant people who made a world of difference, we really appreciate what they did.

Sadie was rushed to University Hospital Southampton. (Image: Newsquest.)

"Doctors at the hospital reckon Sadie had a fever that spiked. Apparently it's something that can happen in children, who can't regulate their temperature.

"It was terrifying - I'd never seen anything like it."

The family were staying at Highcliffe, Dorset, but decided to visit Lyndhurst after bad weather ruled out a trip to the beach. They are now back home in Essex.

As reported in the Daily Echo, police say impatient motorists sounded their horns because they were unable to get past the ambulance.

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