Life Saving Training updates like CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver ... a real life experience with the latter ...
Pic: Public Domain Montage
Recently, I had to complete an update for work on my training for CPR and other life saving measures, including the Heimlich maneuver.
In the past, I have felt awkward and unprepared with the computer simulations and manikin demonstrations one has to do to pass certification for these training sessions.
But over the years per hospital and home care work, I have gained more confidence in myself with this, and I love now knowing how CPR has been promoted by the 70's Disco Bee Gees' song,“Staying Alive,” that is a great way to practice some aspects to it!
As I was going through the online training, as well as some hands-on supervised reviews, I had a flashback to when I once was prompted to take action for a needy situation at a restaurant.
It was a nice Sunday afternoon, and we had just attended 11:30 A Mass at St. George.
My wife and I were looking for a quick bite for us and our kids, whom all loved the Frosty ice cream desserts at Wendy's Restaurants.
So we drove up to a local fast food joint of that stripe in the Baton Rouge area and decided to dine in instead of using the Drive Thru, as we wanted to have a sit down experience.
My usual order at Wendy's was for a regular burger, fully dressed, with mayo on both sides (my weakness!) and some fries with a Frosty.
We liked supporting Wendy's since they love to promote adoption like we do. The late, Dave Thomas, founder of the restaurant chain, reportedly never knew his birth mother, and was adopted by a couple from Kalamazoo, Michigan, when he was 6 months old.
So my wife and kids also got their orders in with the cherished Frosties.
The next thing I know as we all were seated getting ready to dive into our meals was we all heard a shrieking yell from the salad bar area.
So I got up, hamburger still in my hand, and I proceeded to take a closer look, and I saw a rather obese, tall man giving the classic signal for a choking problem – both his hands clutching his throat area.
For a brief moment, I hesitated and thought that surely someone more experienced than me would come to the rescue.
After seeing no one getting involved to help the dude, I quickly put my burger on a table and went over to help the man.
I suddenly had a brief thought of how I would have to right then and there quickly implement, in a modified manner, the jingle from another fast food enterprise: “It takes two hands, to handle the (this) 'whopper,' the two fisted burger (choker) at Burger King… (lol)!”
It took a little bit of stretching to finally get my arms around the fellow - after quickly reassuring him that I would do my best - and then I gave him a couple of quick abdominal thrusts, as I had been taught, between his navel and his rib cage - performed a little bit higher than usual for him, since he was obese.
Suffice it to say that this chap must've had quite a few too many garbanzo bean toppings on his salad that caused the blockage!
Yes, there was a little mess to clean up, but the patron was very appreciative to what I had done and insisted on getting us some Big Frosties to go for the road trip, which we certainly did not refuse!
So you never know when you may be called into action to help others in “Staying Alive, Staying Alive,” as Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb made famous in their classic “Saturday Night Fever” movie!
Keith John Paul Horcasitas, 1133 Knollhaven Drive, BRLA 70810, khorcasitas.yahoo.com, January 6, 2020.
Loved reading this. I had just listened to that song by the Bee Gees and was thinking of this. I took CPR at work, but never had to use it. But I now know this song would come in handy if I did. Glad it helped you, and I love Wendy's too. Love their Frosty, but they don't love me. (Ice cream headache)
Thanks for your story of how knowing the Heimlich maneuver saved that man's life. You are a modest hero. To think that Mama Cass died choking on a chicken bone.
I always found that the combination of a Chili and a Frosty at Wendy's very enjoyable when I was on the road. A change from my usual simple hamburger and black coffee.
Re-Release! No longer back-listed. Return to the Olde Ways. The hustle and bustle of modern day life has brought many of us to a quick fix attitude.This book is for those of you who are fed up; have looked at your life and your loved ones and realize
Re-Release! No longer back-listed. Return to the Olde Ways. The hustle and bustle of modern day life has brought many of us to a quick fix attitude.This book is for those of you who are fed up; have looked at your life and your loved ones and realize
Pic: Public Domain Montage
