Rescue team called to help Newcastle toddler with head stuck in potty

A mother from Wallsend had nothing but praise for firefighters after coming to the rescue after her daughter got her head stuck in a potty.

37-year-old Kay Stewart had started to potty-train her young daughter Harper recently, however one day she heard Harper shouting “Mammy I’m stuck!” from the bathroom. Kay had found Harper with the top of the potty over her head, which seemed to be stuck.

Kay tried everything possible to remove the potty from Harper’s head, but after no luck she began to panic. Kay’s other daughter, 16-year-old Shannon made the decision to call the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) for help.

Kay praised TWFRS for their quick response and calming nature, as they arrived quickly to the scene, helped to calm Harper who was panicking and safely removed the potty from her head. Kay said: “I was so relieved when the firefighters turned up, I’d been trying everything to get it off when my older daughter said she’d called the fire service for help.

“It was brilliant to see how quick they helped us get it off, Harper gave the firefighter a big hug once he was done. They even put their lights on and gave them a big wave before heading off. I was so grateful for their help that evening.”

Wallsend Community Fire Station’s Green Watch were dispatched by Fire Control to help Kay and Harper. Station manager Trevor Sturrock was also full of praise for his team for their professionalism and supportive nature. He said: “Green Watch were with Kay and her family in just a matter of minutes, and used small tools to remove the toilet seat from Harper’s head.”

“Something that she had to be very still for and can be really frightening for such a little person.  Harper was very brave which helped the Firefighters complete the rescue.”

“I want to thank the crew for their professionalism at this incident, sometimes when you turn up people are really panicked and it’s about remaining calm and calming others.”

“I’m so glad the crew were able to support and assist Kay and her family and we hope Harper doesn’t find herself stuck again and wish her well with the potty training.”

Sturrock commented on the nature of the job, saying: “No two days are the same in this job and we really do have to be prepared for anything.”  This particular job was one of many special service requests made to TWFRS, others include; road traffic collisions, animal rescues and helping other people who become trapped.