The Tragic Death of Nine Month Old Millie Thompson; Pictons Report On New Laws to Implement First Aid Training

As the inquest into the tragic death of nine month old Millie Thompson has begun, her bereaved parents, who are still struggling to come to terms with the loss of their adored and beautiful baby daughter, have expressed their relief that new laws may now come into force as a consequence of Millie choking to death at her nursery, Ramilies Hall School and Nursery in Cheadle Hulme in October 2014.

A new ruling would make it compulsory for all staff to be fully trained in first aid procedures. Millie began coughing when she was being fed mashed potato by her nursery worker, who has worked at the school for 17 years. Little Millie was a ‘confident eater’ and was used to a range of foods much more difficult to chew and digest than the potato she was being fed at the time.

According to the nursery worker, Millie’s lips turned blue when she was coughing and she began to choke. As nursery workers desperately attempted first aid an ambulance was called but it has been reported that the 999 operator told them to call back if Millie’s condition worsened. She went into cardiac arrest and within the hour she had died in hospital.

Jacqueline Webb, Chairman of leading regional law firm Pictons and Head of the company’s Employment Department says “This is an unbelievable tragedy and our hearts go out to Millie’s parents.

“Currently the law requires that at least one person who has a current paediatric first aid certificate must be on the nursery’s premises at all times when children are present. They must also accompany children on outings. However, Millie’s case has demonstrated to the government that there is a need to review whether the laws are tight enough.

“The review will consider whether all nursery staff should have the training and whether it should be the duty of nurseries or their staff that this has been carried out. We act for a large number of nurseries and schools and support them in complying with their legal requirements and standards in health and safety, and therefore should the law change in this area we are at hand to guide and support our clients in ensuring compliance is maintained, and that the children’s welfare remains of paramount importance. “

An e-petition on the Government’s website calling for mandatory training was set up by Millie’s parents, Joanne and Dan Thompson, through the Millie’s Trust charity and has been signed by over 100,000 people. With such support it seems likely that the laws will change soon.

Should you need any advice regarding the changing Employment Legislation or effectively Managing your Workplace please don’t hesitate to contact Jacqueline Webb on 0845 263 7505 or email her info@pictons.co.uk