Watch the moment a mother’s incredible quick reaction saved her nine-month-old baby from CHOKING. Christa Stachura, an Emergency Room and Trauma Registered Nurse from Okemos, Michigan, USA, was home with her son when she had to slap her son on the back preventing him from choking Christa, 30, and her son Jack Stachura had just returned from a couple of days in the hospital when the terrifying incident happened. Jack had been admitted with COVID-related pneumonia and dehydration. As the pair were eating lunch she noticed that Jack was struggling to breathe. She said: “I was so excited that he finally wanted to eat solids after not wanting to eat or drink for days. "He was eating some eggs and thinly-sliced apple when I saw him gagging. "We do some baby-led weaning so gagging and coughing can be normal. “Of course as any mother would be, I was nervous and watching him but I also stayed calm so he wouldn't panic.” When Jack began having silent tears and waving his arms by his throat, Christa leapt into action. She whipped off his bib, threw him on her lap face-down and gave him five firm back slaps to dislodge the piece of apple. Once she saw the apple come out and heard his gasp for air, she knew Jack was safe. Christa decided to share the clip on the social media app TikTok to educate about the importance of CPR and first aid techniques. She said: “Initially I felt a little guilty, I didn’t know that apples were a common choking hazard. “But I think it's important not to shame ourselves or others. "Parents are always going to make some mistakes but we can constantly learn from them too. “Most of the reactions have been so positive and supportive, but there have been a couple of people who think I overreacted. “Babies and toddlers are constantly exploring and putting things in their mouths and it’s a parent’s job to protect them “When in doubt, always trust your instinct and take action - a few back slaps won't hurt them!” Christa hopes that her video will encourage parents to research food safety and learn choking signs to prevent potentially dangerous situations. She also wants people to take advantage of first aid courses and learn about the latest health advice. She said: “Firstly, you should always be with your baby when they're eating. “It's very important to know the differences between gagging and choking and how food should be prepared - talk with your paediatrician and get good recommendations. “I work in the emergency department and have proper training, which was essential in saving Jack from choking. “There are plenty of resources available for people to get first aid and CPR trained. “It’s also vital to renew your training yearly - being as prepared as possible could literally save someone's life one day.”
