I did something yesterday that I had hoped would never happen.

I am always afraid when I am in restaurants that someone will choke, and since I'm a nurse I would feel obligated to do the Heimlich. What scares me is that sometimes people *v* from that, too.

My supervisor has had some swallowing problems in the past due to an esophageal web in her throat. Well, yesterday she took a pill and it got stuck. She was coughing and gagging horrendously. So, I got the opportunity to do the Heimlich. To say I was terrified is an understatement. Unfortunately after doing the Heimlich for a minute or two, the pill was still not coming up or going down. So, we called the "first response team" in the health department (where I work). One of the doctors hit her on the back a few times really hard but the pill never did come up. It finally just dissolved and she was alright. And, no, she didn't *v*. She nearly died, though and it was extremely scary. I have practiced the Heimlich many times but never been in a situation to have to perform it.

But, I was proud of myself that I didn't let my emet thoughts stand in the way. And, believe it or not, I was completely alright when the whole ordeal was over. My supervisor thanked me profusely and reassured me that I performed it correctly (she has been a nurse for 35 years).

I definitely encourage everyone out there to learn how to perform this maneuver even if you hope you never have to use it!

Jess