Heroic Restaurant Owner Saves Diner’s Life with Swift Heimlich Maneuver in Istanbul
A terrifying moment during a family meal in Istanbul, Türkiye, ended in relief after a quick-thinking restaurant owner stepped in to save a choking patron. The dramatic rescue, captured on security cameras, highlights the critical importance of emergency preparedness in hospitality settings.
The incident unfolded while a man was dining with his family. Suddenly unable to breathe due to an obstruction in his airway, the patron stood up in evident distress. While those at the table appeared momentarily paralyzed by shock—a common physiological response during sudden medical emergencies—the establishment’s owner identified the signs of choking immediately. Bypassing the confusion, he positioned himself behind the customer and performed the Heimlich maneuver. After a few decisive abdominal thrusts, the blockage was dislodged, and the man’s breathing was restored.
Choking remains a leading cause of accidental death globally, particularly among children and the elderly, though it can affect anyone. The Heimlich maneuver, introduced in 1974 by Dr. Henry Heimlich, utilizes the remaining air in the lungs to forcefully expel objects blocking the windpipe. Medical data suggests that brain damage can occur within just four minutes of oxygen deprivation, making the restaurant owner’s rapid reaction time the deciding factor in the diner’s survival.
However, medical experts and safety instructors often raise concerns regarding the application of such techniques by untrained individuals. While the maneuver is life-saving, “objections” or warnings from the medical community note that improper execution can lead to severe internal injuries, such as fractured ribs or a ruptured spleen. Furthermore, reliance on a singular hero figure points to a wider societal issue: the lack of universal first aid training. Emergency response advocates argue that had the owner not been present or knowledgeable, the outcome could have been tragic, reinforcing the argument that basic life support certification should be mandatory for all hospitality staff.
Following the rescue, the atmosphere in the restaurant shifted from panic to gratitude, serving as a powerful reminder of how basic first aid knowledge can turn a potential tragedy into a story of survival.
