In the early evening on June 2, 2015, Hollenbeck Area Police Officer Chris Gonzalez was taking a break from his patrol duties with two other officers at an El Pollo Loco restaurant in Boyle Heights.
But what started as a routine meal stop became a potentially life-threatening experience for a patron who suddenly began choking. Family members at choking woman’s table desperately tried to relieve her distress. Hoping to dislodge her blockage, they began thumping her on the back, at first lightly and then with greater force, but she continued to choke.
It was at this critical moment that Officer Gonzalez quickly sprang into action and performed the Heimlich Maneuver, a first-aid procedure commonly used to treat upper airway obstructions from foreign objects. Within seconds, whatever was causing the blockage cleared. “I could see the color had drained from her face,” said Officer Gonzalez, “but it started to return almost as soon as I began the maneuver.” In fact, she responded so completely it wasn’t necessary to summon help from paramedics.
Needless to say, the woman and her family were extremely grateful for Officer Gonzalez’ actions. There was no doubt his first-aid training and the speed of his response avoided a potential tragedy.
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