Recently, Dr. Zhang Ridong, a doctor from the Luhe First-aid Station at the Tongzhou District First-aid Sub-Center, encountered a situation while having lunch with friends at a restaurant in Tongzhou duringhis day off. At 1:00 p.m., as Dr. Zhang approached the cashier to settle the bill, he noticed a male diner nearby leaning against a table and coughing violently, his face turning blue and purple.
Zhang Ridong recognized thatthese are classic signs of respiratory obstruction.The hotel staff promptly attempted the Heimlich maneuver, a widely known first aid technique for choking emergencies. Given the maneuver's popularity and the abundance of educational resources available online, Dr. Zhang initially thoughtthe staffcould save the patient, while remaining ready to step in if needed.
However, when it became evident that the patient was still unable to breathe or speak despite the staff’s efforts, Dr. Zhang quickly took control of the situation. “I’ll do it,” he declared. Positioning one fist with the other hand on it placed below the patient’s xiphoid process, Dr. Zhang delivered abdominal thrusts at a normal breathing rate. Initially, the severe abdominal resistance rendered the impacts ineffective after two attempts. Adjusting his posture and synchronizing with the patient’s breathing, Dr. Zhang acted decisively. After just three well-timed impacts, the patient expelled a substantial amount of saliva and food residue. His complexion returned to a healthy color from purple, and he regained the ability to speak, drink water, and rinse his mouth without any further discomfort. Dr. Zhang confirmed that the respiratory obstruction had been fully relieved. Having worked in emergency medicine for over a decade and saved countless critically ill patients, this was Dr. Zhang’s first time performing emergency care without his work uniform. The hotel staff and the patient expressed profound gratitude for his timely and effective intervention. Dr. Zhang modestly stated that he is a doctor, and it ishis duty to save lives before quietly departing.
120 Tips: Respiratory asphyxia frequently happens amonginfants and the elderly, but cases among young and middle-aged individuals are not uncommon. A primary cause is excessive alcohol consumption, which dulls the cough reflex, combined with behaviors such as talking or laughing loudly while eating. This incident serves as a typical example in the first aid cases. Citizens couldtake it as a warning. It underscores the importance of mastering the Heimlich maneuver and staying composed during emergencies. With calmness and the right skills, anyone can help save lives.
