Editor: I just read the Sept 28 edition of the Times and saw the article on the Langley Lodge (Caring Hearts) gala.
I was one of the firefighters who answered the call for help in the lobby.
Our help was needed but a nurse (retired, I think) who was in the lobby saw her in distress and performed the Heimlich maneuver, successfully dislodging it.
I arrived just as it cleared after several thrusts. Normally an ER visit is recommended but we all agreed, as did the lady, that she was OK.
It is a classic response to flee the room when someone chokes (I’ve done it as well) to save embarrassment. The other firefighter was at her table and didn’t even realize she was in distress, as you can’t make any noise.
The nurse was awesome, and I told her so.
What sometimes happens is the person finally collapses and no one knows why or they may not even find them in time.
Had the nurse not recognized the signs of distress, she may have made it to the washroom and collapsed, unseen.
Just wanted to clarify this and give a shout out to a well trained gala guest.
Erik Vogel,
Langley
