Butlin’s staff have been accused of “standing around doing nothing” while a two-year-old boy choked to death, an inquest has heard.
Little James Manning was staying at the Bognor Regis holiday camp in West Sussex when the tragedy unfolded last June.
The hearing was told that paramedics were unable to reach the child as he began choking at the on-site restaurant, as their path was blocked by gates and bollards.
Assistant Coroner Karen Harrold said: “Having listened to the 999 call, I am concerned about the handling of that telephone call and whether the paramedics had specific instructions as to how to get in.
“Given James was two and choking it seems to me that every second counted.
“I am concerned about the delay in getting cars through the gates.”
One of the paramedics decided to rush to the toddler on foot and it’s claimed the ‘safety staff were standing around doing nothing’.
James’ mum Natalie explained: “I tried my best and literally every member of the public was trying to help.
“There were not any First Aiders on site who helped us.
“It was me having to get onto doctors and bang on the doors.”
James was taken to hospital but died on June 20.
James had previously needed medical attention in the past because he had trouble with choking.
The inquest was adjourned until a full hearing, on a date yet to be set.
This inquest will also look at what happened in the three or four month period between a doctor referring James for an operation and his death.
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