City barman hailed 'hero' for helping choking baby

Joshua Smith, 32, was praised by the baby's family

A family has hailed a barman "a hero" for saving the life of their choking baby.

Twenty-month-old Khalil accidentally lodged a bottle cap in his throat during a family meal at Katana restaurant in Peterborough on Sunday.

Barman Joshua Smith, 32, who had previously been a coastguard before joining the Army, heard pleas for help and managed to get the cap out with his fingers after trying to get Khalil to cough.

Mum Maryam Wbwama praised Mr Smith for his "life-saving skills and quick response". Mr Smith said he was "humbled".

'He saved my baby's life'

Ms Wbwama, a nursing student, said the episode was "scary... too scary. I was holding my baby but I could see he was struggling to breathe".

"But Josh was phenomenal - he was so calm and knew exactly what to do. It's great that the restaurant had someone like him with such life-saving skills. He saved my baby's life and we are so grateful."

The mum-of-three also thanked the other restaurant staff and paramedics for their support.

The incident happened in the Katana restaurant in Peterborough city centre

Mr Smith said his career had taught him first aid skills - and it was not the first life he had saved, which helped him stay calm.

"I heard the mum scream, 'He is choking.' So, I knew it was serious," he said.

"I eventually intervened and took the baby from the dad. I started with slapping his back to get him to cough.

"But I could see a silver bit in his throat, so the object was still inside. I put my fingers in carefully and then slowly took it out.

"He then thankfully started breathing, but just as a precaution I called 999 and then let the paramedic - who came in minutes - take over to check him up.

Joshua Smith said "you have to take a deep breath and focus on the situation on hand"

"You can't let nerves get the better of you... you have to take a deep breath and focus on the situation on hand.

"I do appreciate the gratitude from everyone, but don't know how I feel... maybe humbled. I have been here before though - this is the fourth life I have saved."

Saran Raj, director of operations at the restaurant on Broadway, said the team was "very proud of Josh's heroic efforts" and a "special gesture" had been planned for him on Friday.