Baby is flown to hospital after Tesco emergency where mum had to start CPR

Rupert Smith suffered a ‘sudden episode ‘ and he ‘deteriorated very quickly’ while the couple were shopping

A mum who was forced to start CPR on her seven-month-old boy has spoken out about her agonising ordeal following her son’s medical emergency while she was shopping at Tesco. Rupert Smith, who suffers from an exceptionally rare genetic condition, deteriorated rapidly after experiencing a sudden episode at the Broughton shopping park in Flintshire.

Emergency services, including the Wales Air Ambulance, rushed to the scene to treat the infant before he was airlifted to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. On Tuesday, Rupert’s father, Flintshire police sergeant Dave Smith, released a statement expressing his deep gratitude to everyone who came to his son’s aid.

The “beautiful, happy, smiley little boy” has recently been diagnosed with Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood (AHC), a condition that impacts roughly one in one-million children, NorthWalesLive reports.

The family, who live in Broughton, have set up a JustGiving page with the aim of raising £1.5 million to help fund the treatment he will require over the coming months – which will be carried out in the United States. They are also looking to raise funds for research purposes, reports North Wales Live.

AHC can trigger episodes of paralysis, seizures, abnormal movements, breathing difficulties, and developmental delay.

Speaking about the emergency at Tesco, Mr Smith said: “As some of you may have seen, there was a medical emergency at Broughton Retail Park. Rupert had a sudden episode and deteriorated very quickly.

“His mummy had to start CPR, something no parent should ever have to do, and I am incredibly proud of her. Paramedics, police and the air ambulance arrived quickly, and Rupert was taken to Alder Hey.

“Since arriving, Rupert has had a number of seizures, but the team here has been absolutely fantastic. He is stable and will remain in hospital for further tests and observation.

“This is the reality of life threatening AHC, episodes can come without warning and escalate very quickly.

“We’re hugely grateful to the paramedics, police, air ambulance crew, Alder Hey and the Tesco staff who helped today.

“We hold on to hope and will continue to raise awareness and do everything we can to give our son a future. Thank you so much for your continued support.”

Mr Smith added this morning: “Rupert continues to have seizures and is undergoing various tests while being closely monitored. His condition is being carefully managed by the medical team.”