Cafeteria Cashier Saves ER Physician from Choking at Loyola University Medical Center

On September 22, 2025, a life-threatening incident unfolded at Loyola University Medical Center in California when Dr. Joan Dimopoulos, an emergency room physician, began choking on a chicken sandwich during her lunch break. The quick response of cafeteria cashier Keztly Angel, who performed the Heimlich maneuver, prevented a potential tragedy.

As Dr. Dimopoulos struggled to breathe, Angel noticed her distress and immediately sprang into action. Drawing from her high school training at Proviso East High School in Maywood, Illinois, Angel administered the Heimlich maneuver, successfully dislodging the food obstruction. This was Angel's first real-life application of the technique.

Choking is the fourth leading cause of unintentional injury death

The Heimlich maneuver, also called abdominal thrusts, is an emergency procedure designed to clear a blocked airway caused by a foreign object. Developed by Dr. Henry Heimlich in 1974, the technique involves delivering quick, upward pressure to the upper abdomen, just above the navel. It is specifically intended for conscious individuals who are unable to breathe, speak, or cough due to airway obstruction, providing a fast and effective response to choking emergencies. ¹

The maneuver works by generating increased pressure in the chest cavity, which forces air from the lungs to push the obstructing object out of the airway. When applied correctly, this rapid abdominal thrust can restore normal breathing within moments. It is crucial that the Heimlich maneuver is performed only on conscious individuals exhibiting severe choking symptoms; if the person becomes unconscious, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be initiated immediately to maintain airway support and circulation. ¹

Following the incident, Dr. Dimopoulos expressed her heartfelt gratitude during a special ceremony at the medical center. She presented Angel with flowers and praised her for her swift and courageous response.

She recalled that there were many people around, but Angel was the only one who jumped up and helped her instantly.

Angel, who had recently celebrated her first anniversary at the medical center, described her workplace as a "great environment" with an amazing team.

In 2022 alone, 5,553 fatalities were reported due to choking, with death rates rising sharply after the age of 71. Among older adults, food is the most common cause of choking episodes. ²

References:

1. Cleveland Clinic. “Heimlich Maneuver.” Last reviewed August 17, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21675-heimlich-maneuver.

2. National Safety Council. “Choking Prevention and Rescue Tips.” Last reviewed 2025. https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/choking.

(Rh/Eth/ARC/MSM)