A RNLI lifeboat crew member from Newquay has received a special award after helping to save the life of a baby shortly after passing her first aid course.

Emma Auchnie was off-duty and queuing at Charles De Gaulle airport in Paris on a recent trip when a woman started screaming for assistance as her baby had stopped breathing and was turning blue.

She went to her aid and quickly realised the baby’s airway was blocked and needed to be cleared.

Ms Auchnie carefully tapped the baby on its back until it vomited and began to breathe again. She held the infant for a short while after to monitor its condition, before returning it to their parent.

Gareth Horner, lifeboat operations manager, surprised Ms Auchnie with the personal commendation issued by the RNLI's medical director.

The commendation read: “Off duty, and away at Paris Charles De Gaulle airport, you were in a queue when a person nearby started screaming for assistance.

“Her baby had stopped breathing and was turning blue. Reacting immediately, you went to her aid, quickly assessing the infant and checking for any breathing.

“Following your assessment, it was evident that the airway was compromised and needed to be cleared. You carefully tapped its back until it vomited and began to breathe again.

“You held the infant for a short while after to monitor their condition, before returning it to their parent. The parent who did not speak English, was extremely grateful for your quick reaction and care.

“The incident occurred shortly after you had completed your elementary first aid Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers course, and you are commended for your courage in responding in an exemplary way.

“Your actions resulted in a life saved. Your determination and commitment to delivering excellent casualty care and saving lives at sea is recognised and truly represents the values of the RNLI.”

Gareth Horner said: “Congratulations to Newquay RNLI shore crew member Emma Auchnie.

“Her determination and commitment to delivering excellent casualty care and saving lives at sea is recognised and truly represents the values of the RNLI.

“The RNLI provides exceptional training, so it becomes second nature for our volunteers to react correctly in any given circumstance. The station is proud of all its volunteer crew but it’s very special when a commendation is awarded. Well done Emma.”