A young girl aged between three and five caused a moment of panic among residents and tourists in Valldemossa on Tuesday afternoon after choking on a hair clip, though fortunately the incident ended well.
The child, of Slovakian origin, began to choke after removing a hair clip from her hair and apparently swallowing it seconds later. Emergency services were called immediately. Officers from the Valldemossa Local Police responded swiftly, and a patrol of two assisted the girl. With the help of an English doctor who happened to be on holiday nearby, they were able to remove the clip from her throat.
The incident took place on Calle Blanquerna, outside Bar Sa Foganya, whose staff raised the alarm after noticing the girl in distress. Once the obstruction was cleared, a doctor from the local health centre attended to examine her, confirming that she was generally well.
The onlookers had contacted the Emergentes 24 ambulance service, which in turn activated 061, prompting a paramedic ambulance and a mobile ICU unit to come from Palma. Despite the tense moments, the scare ended safely, with everyone relieved at the positive outcome.