Doncaster girl, 9, saved by teen waiter in choking drama tells of drama on BBC Breakfast

The nine-year-old girl, named only as Scarlett, appeared with grandma Angie and rescuer Jack Smithson, telling how the 16-year-old had come to the rescue after she began choking on a piece of bacon at Doncaster’s Jazz Cafe last week.

And Angie said she would always be ‘eternally grateful’ to Jack who performed the Heimlich maneoeuvre on Scarlett to dislodge the food – a technique he had learned at Sea Cadets.

Speaking to hosts Dan Walker and Louise Minchin, Angie said: “I had taken Scarlett out for her birthday meal and we were just having breakfast when she started choking on a piece of bacon.

"I went into complete panic, I was hitting her on the back to try and dislodge the food and really didn’t know what to do.

"Jack heard my fright and came over and perforfmed the Heimlich manoeuvre. All of a sudden the food dislodged and I will be forever grateful. It was a terrifying experience.”

Scarlett said: “I just remember eating food. I started choking on this piece of food and everyone was panicking and grandma was trying to help.”

The drama unfolded at the Printing Office Street cafe on Jack’s second full time day in the job.

After her ordeal, Jack gave Scarlett water and ice cream before the pair went on their way.

And the incident has urged Angie to take up first aid training.

She said: “It was a massive thing he did, I am eternally grateful to him. It’s inspired me to get first aid training.

"I should have done it a long time ago, it is important to put the message across. Everyone should have a basic knowledge of first aid. I’ll definitely do it with all the grandchildren I have got!”

Jack added: “It feels amazing to save a girl’s life. I am relieved she’s OK.”

The hosts were impressed with Louise telling Jack: “Honestly, you are sending tingles all over me. Well done you. Wow,” with Dan adding: “He’s a local hero. What a top lad.”