A PASSER-BY who stepped in to save a toddler who had swallowed his tongue says everyone should learn first aid skills.

Luke Tuttleby, of Eldred Avenue, Colchester, was near his home after dropping off his children at school when he heard a neighbour screaming for help.

After rushing to help he saw her 14-month-old son was turning blue and fitting.

Luckily, Mr Tuttleby, 33, had completed a St John Ambulance first aid course and was able to clear the youngster’s airways before the ambulance service arrived to take him to Colchester General Hospital.

He said: “I heard this spine-chilling scream from a woman across the road and I just ran over to see what was going on.

“I got to the end of her drive and she was cradling her baby who was blue and was having a fit.”

Me Tuttleby explained: “I did the St John Ambulance course a year ago and I guess instinct just kicked in.

“The baby had swallowed his tongue but I managed to get it out and back into his mouth.”

The quick-thinker added: “I would urge anyone to go out and get the St John’s training because clearly it works.”

Mr Tuttleby, who works at Granite Transformations in Stanway, said he had never been put in a situation like this before.

He said: “It certainly isn’t an everyday occurrence, but I’m not a superhero or anything like that.

“Straight afterwards I was shaking and my heart was beating so fast.

“I guess something took over me and I would hope if something similar happened to any of my children then somebody else would do the same.

“My wife Jamie-Lee said she was worried because the scream could have been anything and she didn’t know what I was getting into.

“She did brilliantly as well by keeping the mother calm.”

Gemma Martin, regional training manager for St John Ambulance in the East of England, said: “Luke’s actions show just how important it is for more people to learn first aid and know how to use it in an emergency.

“I’d like to congratulate him on his quick thinking and ability to act calmly in a difficult situation, and we all wish the toddler a speedy recovery.”

Will Quince, MP for Colchester, wants all driving licence applicants to have had first aid training before undertaking a practical driving test.

His predecessor, Sir Bob Russell, called for first aid to be taught as part of the National Curriculum.