Family Faces Choking Scare Again Second Son Saved by Life-Saving Device After Tragic Loss
Lewis and Zoe Steeper, a couple who tragically lost their nine-month-old son Oliver to choking at a nursery in 2021, faced a harrowing repeat of the incident with their second son, Jake. In a chilling echo of the past, Jake began choking in December 2023, but this time, a life-saving device called LifeVac, which the Steepers had been advocating for, came to the rescue, told by “The Sun“.
Oliver’s tragic choking incident occurred at Jelly Beans Day Nursery in Ashford, Kent, where he struggled to breathe while eating, leading to a fatal heart attack days later. The devastating experience spurred the Steepers to campaign for increased choking prevention measures, including the widespread availability of the LifeVac device in nurseries.
The LifeVac, a device designed to clear airway obstructions through suction, proved its worth when Jake faced a life-threatening situation at home. With quick thinking, Lewis Steeper used the device to clear Jake’s airway when he began choking on mucus and Calpol, turning a potentially fatal incident into a scare with a happy ending. Jake, who was 14 months old at the time, fully recovered after the incident, which was later attributed to Covid-19 complications.
Following their experiences, the Steepers have actively worked through the Oliver Steeper Foundation to raise funds and awareness for choking prevention, successfully providing over 100 LifeVac devices to nurseries. Their efforts come in the wake of the closure of Jelly Beans Day Nursery, the site of Oliver’s tragic death, and amidst ongoing legal and investigative processes concerning the incident.
The couple’s advocacy extends beyond just providing equipment; they have also raised concerns about proposed government changes to nursery staffing ratios, arguing that such measures could compromise child safety. Their campaign has garnered significant public support, amassing over 100,000 signatures in opposition to the changes.
The Steepers’ story is a poignant reminder of the importance of preparedness and awareness in preventing choking incidents among children. Their advocacy for LifeVac devices and safer nursery staffing ratios highlights the ongoing need for measures to protect the most vulnerable members of society.