Every day, Chris Sanchez-Ochoa, Food Services, walks past a poster in the cafeteria that explains how to help someone who’s choking.
He never expected to need it.
But recently, a visitor to Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest Fort Worth, began choking while Chris was eating lunch.
“At first, he was just coughing, but then he stood up and started gesturing that he couldn’t breathe,” Chris said. “The café was full, so I stood up and started yelling for help.”
A nurse rushed over and tried to administer the Heimlich maneuver, but the man was moving too much and she couldn’t get her arms around him. She had Chris take over while she gave instruction.
“I’m a big guy, so I was able to get my arms around him,” Chris said. “I did two thrusts, and his airway cleared.”
The man refused further treatment, insisting he was fine, but Chris stayed in the dining area for a while to make sure.
“Another nurse gave him some water, and then he had some coffee and just sat for a little while,” Chris said. “I stayed and watched him until my break was over.”
This wasn’t the first time Chris rescued someone from choking.
“Before I came to work here, I worked for a catering company,” he said. “We were catering a wedding, and someone started to choke there, and I had to give him the Heimlich.”
Gavino “Guy” Galan, director of Food Services, said Chris was demonstrating the compassion for which he’s known.
“Chris chose to help the gentleman instead of waiting for anyone else to try to assist,” Guy said. “His quick action helped save a life.”
Chris was named the hospital’s Promise Maker of the Month in July, but he said he’s no hero.
“Anyone would have done what I did,” he said. “I was just glad I could help. It was a crazy experience, but I’m thankful he was able to just walk away.”
By Robin P. Loveman • Posted August 6, 2019
