Seven Off-Duty First Responders Save Choking Man

When first responders are off-duty, they do not automatically turn off their instincts and training. They still observe everything that goes on around them and are there to lend a hand when needed.

A New Jersey man is very thankful that first responders happened to be in the same restaurant as him.

A Meal Out...

A man was sitting enjoying his steak at 9:30 p.m. in a Rahway Restaurant in New Jersey when he suddenly began to choke. The woman who was with him began to pat him on the back in an attempt to help him.

It was the woman's attempt to assist that garnered the attention of off-duty Elizabeth EMS Amber Henderson. According to the Daily Voice, Henderson said, "I happened to look over and saw a woman standing up and hitting a man on the back."

She said she stood up to see if the man had dislodged the food on his own. However, she was acutely aware of the fact that he was still choking. She went over and began to perform the Heimlich.

She said, "... a small chunk of food came out, but he was still choking-and there was much more left inside." Henderson realized she needed to do more but was unsure of how to proceed on her own.

An Extra Set of Hands

Lucky for the man and Henderson, off-duty officer Eddie O'Donnell rushed over, identified himself as an officer, and took over helping. However, the food still would not come out of the man's throat.

O'Donnell realized he had seen another off-duty EMS Medic, Justin McGee, and called across the restaurant for his assistance. It turns out four other off-duty medics were there too.

Peter Dudek, Elizabeth Buckridee, Jacob kay, and Andrew Buchanan all took turns attempting the Heimlich on the man.

"The [victim] started getting weak in the legs and was falling, and the Heimlich doesn't work unless you're standing. We realized CPR would have to get started."

Officer Eddie O'Donnell

One medic retrieved a suction machine from his car, and the restaurant gave the others an AED. By the time the ambulance came, the man was ready to go with them. The piece of steak was removed inside the ambulance.

Coincidence or Right Place Right Time?

While none of the first responders planned on eating at the restaurant together that night, a man is alive today because they were.

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23 comments on “Seven Off-Duty First Responders Save Choking Man”

  1. Wow, great work from the responders and thank God he put the four in that area.
    They all need to be recognised and given an reward. Praise and honor to each of them.
    ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ

  2. Thank you for sharing this story. Good people are difficult to find many times. These people stepped up to help when it really counted. God bless our medical folk who step up when they are needed.

  3. There is no such thing as coincidence!! I know many people say they don't believe in God, but He knew, (because He is omniscient, all-knowing) that man was going to choke and need help, and those emt's and first responders were not there by accident!!

  4. She should have used that procedure where one puts arms around and pushes below chest. Can't think of name but starts with an H. LOL

    1. They did. It's called the Heimlich. Learn how to do it. You may save a life.
      Thank you to ALL of these 1st Responders for their quick actions, and for their willingness to interrupt their own evening to save this man's life. Great job!!! ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐ŸŽ–๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿš’๐Ÿ‘ฎ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€โš•๐Ÿ‘ฑ ๐Ÿš“ ๐Ÿš’ ๐Ÿš‘ ๐Ÿฅ ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ

      1. Anyone mention chew food better, especially when steak, & if alcohol is involved. The 2 donโ€™t mix well. My exโ€™s Mom died from those 2 things in frt of her kitchen stove, & no one heard her to help.

        1. How terrible for that to have happened. Your ex must have been horrified to find her mom. Sincerest condolences!

  5. Fantastic story, this needs to get around so people will realize there are good samaritans in this world. This proves it God Bless them all, and we are happy the man survived.

  6. Praise GOD That They All Jumped In To Save Another Human Being ,Many People Now Are Reluctant To Get Involved.

  7. I wonder where he stood on defunding police before this incident....and after. Both EMS and cops saved this man's life. They may be off duty but they are never OFF duty. It just isn't in their personality or they wouldn't have become first responders to begin with. I will be forever grateful they were there when my family needed them.

  8. I wish there was a way to get this story to President Trump. He would make sure they were properly honored!
    If someone can get this to President Trump, please send it. Thank you.

  9. This should make headlines! Oops! I forgot! Newspapers never give first responders any credit. Thank God they were all there! (Seems like he had the whole steak stuck in his throat!)

  10. Does anyone know if I am able to purchase JUSTKRATOM Green Maeng Da Kratom Capsules (justkratomstore.com) from King Kong Vape, 929 N Broadway, White Plains, NY, 10603?

  11. I believe there are many heroic incidents that are not seen or reported. These guys deserve accolades for being there!

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