On Monday, March 21st, on the 2700 block of Rainview Drive, Mr. Antonio Cruz was eating dinner when he began to choke on a piece of food. His son Anthony heard noises coming from the kitchen and then saw his father choking; he began to perform the Heimlich maneuver. He happens to be a registered nurse. He told his mother to call 911 and started performing rescue breathing and then CPR. San Jose Fire Department Engine Company 2 “C” shift arrived on scene to assess the situation and perform an advanced life support maneuver using a Magill forceps to remove the food from Mr. Cruz’ throat. On the way to the hospital Mr. Cruz slowly started to breathing on his own and later was conscious and alert. Because Anthony performed the Heimlich Maneuver and CPR prior to Engine Company 2 arrival on scene, it saved vital time to allow the crew; Captain Jay Carranza, Fire Engineer Dan Lizardo, Firefighter Brian Landi and Firefighter/Paramedic Chris Fraser who removed the food stuck in Mr. Cruz’ throat, ultimately saving his life. It was this combination of individuals working with the same goal in mind to save a life and they did!!!
Choking can be treated with abdominal thrusts, also known as the Heimlich Maneuver. This maneuver should be performed only when a person truly can not breathe or is not getting sufficient air to their lungs. If someone is choking, first determine if the person requires assistance by asking if they are okay.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a combination of rescue breathing and chest compressions delivered to victims thought to be in cardiac arrest. When cardiac arrest occurs, the heart stops pumping blood. CPR can support blood flow to the heart and brain to “buy time” until normal heart function is restored. Contact your local American Heart Association or the American Red Cross for CPR and Heimlich Maneuver class schedules.
Contact Information: Capt. Scott Kouns (San José Fire Department PIO) Phone #: Work: 408 277-8784
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