Kannur: A group of youth rescued a girl in Pazhayangadi after she began choking on chewing gum that got lodged in her throat. Their quick thinking and first aid averted a major tragedy.

The incident occurred when the girl, who had arrived on a bicycle, signalled to the group standing outside a shop that she was unable to breathe. One of the youth noticed her eyes were reddening and that she was struggling to draw breath.

Acting swiftly, he applied abdominal thrusts to her. On the second attempt, the gum was dislodged, and the girl began breathing again.

The youth credited the child’s courage for the successful rescue, noting that her decision to approach them for help rather than panic or run home made the difference.

One of the rescuers said he was able to act calmly because of the first aid techniques he had seen on YouTube. “Since I was familiar with those videos, I didn’t feel too nervous and could intervene with confidence,” he said.