Paramedics break in to assist unconscious baby left in a locked vehicle without ventilation in Ballito

The Medi Response search and rescue division responded to a Ballito shopping mall, Ballito Junction, for reports of an unresponsive baby locked in a vehicle. Picture: Medi Response

The Medi Response search and rescue division responded to a Ballito shopping mall, Ballito Junction, for reports of an unresponsive baby locked in a vehicle. Picture: Medi Response

Published Sep 12, 2022

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Durban — Paramedics had to force entry into a vehicle to assist an unconscious baby in Ballito.

Medi Response spokesperson Paul Herbst said that a short while ago, on Monday afternoon, their search and rescue division responded to reports of an unresponsive baby locked in a vehicle at Ballito Junction shopping mall.

“On arrival of crews, it was established that a baby was locked in a sealed vehicle with no ventilation, and was unconscious,” Herbst said.

Herbst said a security guard had noticed the child and centre management alerted Medi Response.

“Paramedics immediately forced entry into the vehicle and initiated interventions on the baby. After being placed on oxygen, the baby regained consciousness,” Herbst said.

He said that enquiries suggest that the parent of the baby had been inside the mall for several hours, leaving the baby unattended. The baby was taken into the care of practitioners.

Earlier, Herbst said that the window of the vehicle was broken by Medi Response.

He said that it was believed the parents left the child for approximately three hours without ventilation.

Herbst said the police were on the scene.

Police have been approached for comment.

Daily News