A Canadian wedding photographer recently abandoned her camera to save a guest who was choking.
Lauren Horch of Tkshotz Photography in Alberta sprang into action when she noticed a groom's uncle struggling at a wedding in Canmore. As Horch was seated with the man, she saw he was tearing up and having difficulty breathing after some food became lodged in his throat.
The 38-year-old photographer first tried applying forceful pressure to the man's back. When that proved ineffective, she began performing abdominal thrusts on him. Though the man coughed a bit afterward, he was ultimately unharmed thanks to her quick response.
Horch credits a childhood babysitting course over 20 years ago with teaching her the potentially life-saving Heimlich maneuver technique. But the recent close call has inspired her to enroll in a first aid refresher course soon.
As a mother of young kids, Horch said she's mentally rehearsed what she would do if one of her own children started choking. Still, having to use those skills in real life was an eye-opening experience. The frightening incident reinforces that wedding vendors should be prepared for medical emergencies, given the large crowds at such events.
Experts say most Canadians lack recent first aid training to respond properly when someone is choking or in distress. Common mistakes include freezing up in panic and assuming someone else will intervene, known as The Bystander Effect.
For her part, Horch is simply relieved she retained enough training to potentially save a life when it really mattered. Her ability to set aside her camera and assist a person in danger has been praised by peers.
"Lauren didn't hesitate at all, she just jumped right into action," Zwiczak said. "She absolutely saved that man's life with her quick reaction and knowledge of what to do."
Thanks to her quick thinking and first aid skills, the groom's uncle survived a brush with death at what should have been a joyous occasion.
