A mother who has three children recently expressed her gratitude to the local police force who she insists, saved the life of her infant daughter by providing necessary emergency care and subsequently rushing them to the Kerry University Hospital in their police car.
Donna O’Loughlin recollected the most terrifying night of her life, which was last Saturday. She was recalling the event, stating how after feeding her seven-week-old, Precious’ her last feeding of the night, the baby began choking.
“The climax of her feeding bottle seemed to trigger the choking and she was unable to breathe for two minutes. I held her and she was completely limp, her face had turned ashen. Her tongue was out,” said Donna O’Loughlin.
She handed over the baby to her spouse, Joe, and even he, who is known to be calm and collected, started panicking. The couple had the thought that they had lost their child.
Residing in Athea, near the Kerry border in Limerick county, the couple reached out to the closest hospital, Kerry University Hospital located in Tralee. Unfortunately, Donna O’Loughlin was unable to get in touch since the emergency ward was occupied. Fearing they couldn’t wait for an ambulance they made the call to the police
Regrettably, Abbeyfeale, the closest police station, was shut, leaving Donna O’Loughlin to contact Listowel in Kerry county. “My intent was to inform them to not stop us for speeding since we had to rush to the hospital,” she explains.
Donna O’Loughlin spoke to Garda Eleanor Shiels who was able to calm her down. “I told her about the ongoing situation and she instructed me to drive to Listowel and assured me they would assist us to get to the hospital.”
“They were awaiting our arrival at the station and before the car could come to a full stop, they had us out of the vehicle. I pleaded with them to assist her.”
Garda Mark Cushen took over and proceeded to give first aid to Precious while Garda Ryan Hill notified the Tralee hospital that they were en route.
“Garda Mark did a remarkable job on Precious and Garda Ryan was able to maintain Joe’s calmness,” says Donna O’Loughlin.
They were able to arrive at the hospital emergency room promptly in the police car. This was where the nursing staff were ready for them and Precious was quickly taken away for resuscitation.
In her words of appreciation for the police force, she stated, “They managed to keep me engaged in conversation and even lightened the mood with a few jests. They didn’t leave the hospital until they were certain that Precious was revived.”
“I am outright convinced that they were instrumental in saving my child’s life. The police often draw criticism in the press. However, I hold a strong belief that they were Divine sent to rescue Precious. They were exceptionally supportive and I cannot express my gratitude enough. The police officers from Listowel were outstanding and their swift action ensured that my baby is alive and with me. I owe them an immeasurable debt,” she expressed.
Ms O’Loughlin shared that although Precious still has to undergo additional medical examinations, up to this point, all updates regarding the infant’s well-being have been highly encouraging.