POLICE AND EMS SAVE CHOKING WOMAN
South Brunswick Police officers and Kendall Park First Aid Squad worked feverishly to save a choking woman Saturday night. At 7pm, a 58 year old Kendall Park woman was eating dinner with her husband when she began to choke on a piece of food. Her husband attempted to help her but quickly realized she was unable to breath and dialed 911. Officer Mike Leung arrived within three minutes of the call to find the woman unconscious and turning blue on the floor. Officer Leung began to use the Heimlich Maneuver in an attempt to dislodge the food from her airway. Soon thereafter, Officer Jesse Blake, Sergeant Frank Lombardo, and EMT Christine Kelly arrived and alternated attempts to clear the airway. The team effort resulted in dislodging the food from the victim’s airway. The victim began to breathe again and was talking to EMS and police as she was being placed into the ambulance. She was admitted overnight to University Hospital at Princeton.
On Tuesday after being released the victim praised the efforts of all involved. “If it wasn’t for the officers and the young woman I wouldn’t be here, I am so grateful”, said the Kendall Park woman. She said she recalls eating dinner then blacking out. “The next thing I can remember is the young lady next to me and I was on the floor”, she said.
Chief Raymond Hayducka credited the fast response and quick actions with saving the woman’s life. “An officer was on scene in three minutes, additional officers and EMS arrived within another five minutes. They took quick actions to avoid tragedy. In emergencies, seconds count. These personnel were in the right place and did an outstanding job,” said Chief Hayducka.
Contact Information:
Sgt James Ryan
PIO
732-329-4646
jryan@sbtnj.net
Great job Christine !!!