A REDDITCH man at his own leaving do leapt into action at the Harvester to save the life of a woman choking on a piece of steak.
Matt Turner was at the restaurant, at the The Dog pub in Mappleborough Green, with work colleagues from Three UK on Monday (August 29) before setting off for Somerset, when he heard a cry for help.
A woman had stood up and was struggling to breath. One of the waitresses tried to help her by performing the Heimlich Manoeuver to free the blockage but without success.
Matt, an assistant store manager, said: “I just thought I would try and help. So I got the waitress to step to the side so I could try the Heimlich. I tried three or four times but nothing happened. it was only when I saw them patting her gently on the back that I remembered the first aid course I had gone on about 15 years ago.
“I just thought no they are doing it wrong. So I used the palm of my hand to slap her back and after three or four tries the steak came out.”
The 42-year-old said the woman’s eyes had started to bulge, her face was red and her legs had started to go from under her.
“Her husband had really started to panic,” said Matt.
“It never occurred to me at the time she could have died but afterwards she thanked me for saving her life.”
The woman told him she was asthmatic and Matt got her a glass of water and held her hand as she calmed down then burst into tears.
The restaurant praised Matt and refused to let him pay his meal, which he was unable finish after returning to his friends white faced in slight shock.
Since the incident staff and customers have taken to social media to praise the then unknown hero including waitress Jade Dragon, who had tried to help the lady. Her mother Debbie said she is still shaken from the incident and thanked Matt for his help.
“I’m no hero I’m just glad I was there and able to help,” said Matt. “Things like this can be quite embarrassing and when people said I saved her life I felt quite uncomfortable. i just hope she is all right now.”
