Last year, a family birthday party took a frightening turn that would test the spirit of everyone present. What started as a happy celebration, quickly turned into a life-or-death situation when 21-year-old Chloe suddenly complained to her mother, Nicole, that she couldn’t breathe. The room, once filled with laughter, became filled with panic as Chloe's distress escalated rapidly. 

Nicole, desperately trying to help her daughter, attempted back thrusts in an effort to dislodge the food blocking Chloe’s airway. But despite her efforts, the situation grew more critical. Chloe's condition worsened, and she began to lose consciousness. With every passing second, the urgency of the situation became more intense. 

Paul, Chloe’s uncle, who remained calm and composed during the chaos, acted quickly. Recognising the severity of the emergency, he stepped in with determination. He took charge and delivered effective back blows, a crucial manoeuvre in such life-threatening scenarios. His decisive actions proved to be a lifesaver; the obstruction was cleared just as the ambulance was arriving. “I didn’t really think about it, to be honest. I just grabbed her and gave her a couple of real hard whacks on the back and luckily, it popped out and landed in the garden, and she basically collapsed after that. It just happened really fast for me.” – explains Paul. 

Thanks to Paul’s quick thinking and heroic intervention, Chloe regained consciousness and made a full recovery. Nicole, overwhelmed with gratitude, remains forever thankful for Paul’s bravery. In a moment when every second counted, Paul’s presence and skilful actions were nothing short of a miracle. “You (Paul) were there when it mattered, so that’s the most important part.” – says Chloe 

This touching story shows the critical importance of knowing how to respond in choking emergencies. Each year, approximately 1,200 people in Australia lose their lives to choking incidents. It’s a danger that knows no age limits and extends beyond just food-related incidents, many children are at risk from other common choking hazards, when and where people can least expect. “When you are at a family event you think everything is safe. You are at home, like what could possibly happen to you? You think that the danger is outside of your house, but it feels good knowing that there are people in my life that would step in and literally save my life.” Adds Chloe. 

We were honoured to recognise Paul, as one of the First Aid Champions 2024, for his incredible act of heroism. His quick thinking and courage not only saved Chloe’s life but also provided a powerful reminder of the impact one person can make in a crisis. 

Watch the video below: