Stranger Saves A Life With Heimlich Maneuver

An anonymous stranger kept a 47-year-old Queens man from choking to death on December 30.

Fire officials said a stranger who used the Heimlich maneuver to force food from the victim's trachea gave the victim back his life.

The victim, who in the past had suffered a stroke, is a familiar character along 36th Avenue in Long Island City. During a walk on the evening of December 30th, the victim stumbled into Veronica's Place, an Irish tavern at 34-04 36th Ave.

Bar patrons said they were stunned when they turned to say hello, and saw the man grab his throat and collapse on the floor.

As several patrons dialed 911 to summon an ambulance, a young man sprang from a bar stool and ran toward the man. The young lifesaver lifted the man from the floor and applied the Heimlich maneuver to the victim's chest, patrons said. Within seconds, a huge chunk of food dislodged from the victim's throat and he began to breathe, patrons said.

"It was amazing," all said. "The kid saved the guy's life."

Fire officials said an ambulance crew arrived at the pub at 7:49 p.m. and took the victim to a local hospital, where he refused treatment.

Back at Veronica's Place, patrons said they didn't even know the name of the young lifesaver. "It was his first time here," said one man.

"He spoke with an Irish brogue and said he knew one of the bar owners," the patrons said. "He said he had never been here before, but was in the neighborhood and decided to stop in to say Happy New Year."

EMS sources said, "His quick thinking and action definitely saved this man. Wherever he is, he should know that he saved a life."- Liz Goff