Cool-headed teenager Jessica Witney was today praised by the Essex Ambulance Service after helping to save her younger brother from choking to death.

Would you know what to do?

The pair, both pupils at Thurstable School in Tiptree, were having an argument about their homework at the family home in Ramsey Close, Heybridge.

William, 11, suddenly swallowed his chewing gum and began gasping for breath.

Jessica, 13, an Army Cadet from B detachment at Witham, put into practice her life-saving skills training, using the Heimlich manoeuvre.

In seconds she moved into position behind her brother who was shocked and distressed and she helped to release the gum and clear his blocked windpipe.

Richard Leppard, community resuscitation training officer at Essex Ambulance Service, said: "We are very pleased to hear that a young girl acted so quickly.

"It is obvious that good training and commonsense when used together can make all the difference as it did on this occasion.

"Choking can be a very frightening experience and knowing what to do is important," he added.

Proud Mum Julie Witney, 42, said: "Jessica was really cool.

"William was clawing at his throat and crying and had pulled some buttons off his shirt."

Mrs Witney admitted if Jessica had not been around things could have been a lot worse.

She added: "Jessica just went straight to it." Jessica stopped her brother from choking - but would you know what to do?

Essex Ambulance Service advises anyone to call 999 if a child is choking. They will be given the following advice:

If the patient is conscious and coughing fails to clear the blockage, you should:

Tell the patient what you are going to do and stand behind them or place him/her over your knee with the head down

Try five slaps between shoulder blades by hand or

Make a fist with one hand and place it against the stomach in the middle just above navel.

Grasp the fist with the other hand and press into the stomach with quick upward pushes towards their shoulders.

Repeat five times or until the item is removed - the Heimlich manoeuvre. Repeat if there is no expulsion.

Alternatively, lay the child flat on their back and put your hand in the centre of the chest. Give up to five chest thrusts.

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