top of page
Search

Twice I Nearly Choked to Death — Both Times, a Stranger Saved Me with the Heimlich

  • Writer: SGFIRSTAID
    SGFIRSTAID
  • Jun 19
  • 3 min read



🫢 I Shouldn’t Be Alive Today — Twice

I’ve choked badly not once… but twice in my life. Both times, I couldn’t breathe. My vision blurred. My body started shutting down. And both times, someone stepped up and saved me.​ I didn’t know them. I didn’t even speak to them before. But they knew the Heimlich manoeuvre — and because of them, I’m still here to tell this story.​



🚨 The First Time: A Naan Nearly Killed Me

I was dining alone at a restaurant, enjoying a naan when a piece got lodged in my throat.I tried to cough — nothing came out.I stood up, panic rising. I clutched my throat. My lips started turning blue.​ I thought: This is how it ends. Then out of nowhere, a waiter behind me grabbed me firmly and pulled hard — one thrust, two, three... on the fifth thrust, the naan flew out.Air rushed back into my lungs. I dropped to my knees, shaking.​

That stranger? I never got his name.But he knew what to do — and that saved me.​



The Second Time: I Couldn’t Believe It Happened Again

Fast forward several years. Different place, different meal. I was at a pub with my friend Priscilla and my daughter Maya. I took a bite of steak, and it got stuck. I headed straight for the bar, again. I couldn’t get a single word out this time, I was losing oxygen so quickly. I pointed to my back, started hitting it, miming a plea for help.​ Priscilla tried to Heimlich me, but didn’t have the strength or knowhow. I was turning blue. Maya was watching. It was awful.​

Then I felt myself being grabbed from behind. A clenched fist locked into a hand wrapped tight around my abdomen — in and up it thrust, in and up, again and again. On the fifth thrust the piece of steak shot out with a splattering of sicky phlegm.​ Everybody in the pub clapped, which was incredibly gracious of them considering I must have put them off their meal.​

I lay on the floor exhausted. Maya was in tears, being comforted by a stranger. Priscilla and the waitress helped me up.​ I went outside, and we sat in silence. When I was in a fit state I went into the pub and asked who my saviour was. The man responsible told me he’d never done the Heimlich manoeuvre before, and that it was only when nobody else came forward that he thought he’d best have a try.​ My hero.​


💡 The Heimlich Maneuver Is Simple — But Powerful

Most people think choking looks dramatic. But often, it’s silent.No sound. No scream. Just wide eyes and sheer panic.​ The Heimlich maneuver (also known as abdominal thrusts) is one of the simplest, fastest ways to dislodge a blockage from the airway.​

Here’s how it works:

  1. Stand behind the choking person.

  2. Wrap your arms around their waist.

  3. Make a fist just above their navel.

  4. Grab your fist with your other hand.

  5. Pull inward and upward in quick, strong thrusts.​

Refer to this video:


Repeat until the object is expelled — or the person becomes unresponsive (then start CPR).​



❌ What Not to Do When Someone Is Choking

Let me clear up a few myths I’ve heard (and now know could have killed me):





🧠 Why This Story Stays With Me

Twice, I was saved by people who didn’t hesitate.Twice, I almost lost my life to something as small as a bite of food.And I now realise how important it is for everyday people to know basic first aid.​ You don’t need a medical degree to save a life. You just need the courage — and the knowledge — to act fast.​



👉 Learn CPR. Learn first aid. Be the reason someone survives.

If you are interested in our courses, reach us through any of the means listed below:

Tel: +65 6297 8123, WhatsApp: +65 6297 8123, Email: sfatc@firstaidtraining.com.sg


Comments

bottom of page