Dr Liam Fox jumps to rescue of nine-month-old baby having seizure on plane

International Trade Secretary worked as a GP before entering politics 

Will Worley
Thursday 06 April 2017 09:14 BST
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Dr Liam Fox answered an emergency request for a doctor
Dr Liam Fox answered an emergency request for a doctor (Getty)

International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox jumped to the rescue of nine-month-old baby having a seizure on a flight, it has been reported.

Dr Fox, who worked as a GP for 10 years before entering politics, was on an official trip to the Philippines when an emergency message was broadcast on board his plane.

A couple from Hong Kong were concerned about their baby, which appeared to be having a fit.

Liam Fox meets President Duterte

Dr Fox answered the request and came forward, diagnosing the baby with febrile convulsion.

An eyewitness told The Sun: “Dr Fox placed the baby in the recovery position and then bathed him to reduce his high temperature.”

Febrile convulsions occur in around one in 50 infants and are caused by high temperatures. They do not usually have any long lasting effects.

The baby recovered fully by the time the plane landed and Dr Fox was able to continue his trip, making overtures to controversial Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

Dr Fox was later criticised for speaking of “shared values” the UK holds with Mr Duterte, who has led a brutal war on drugs and bragged of personally executing suspected criminals.

More than 7,000 people have been killed in Mr Duterte's campaign, according to police figures, causing widespread condemnation.

He has also urged the public to kill drug addicts, who he said he would be "happy to slaughter" in their millions.

A Department of International Trade spokesman said closer ties would help Britain to address areas of concern.

He said: "We do not shy away from confronting barriers to trade and investment - including issues of human rights and corruption.

"Greater knowledge and understanding of one another will increase our ability to address those issues that concern us."

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