OC Dispatcher Helps Daughter Perform Heimlich Maneuver On Choking Mother

LAGUNA NIGUEL (CBSLA.com) — Two daughters will have their mother for the holidays, thanks to an Orange County Fire Authority dispatcher who helped save her from choking on mini marshmallows.

Gina Williams called 911 at about 10:30 a.m. Sunday frantically reported that her mother, retired nurse Janet Williams, was choking. Dispatcher David Paschke can be heard in the 911 recording calmly questioning Williams, and urging her to stay calm and to tell her sister to do the same.

"OK, what is she choking on?" the dispatcher said.

"I don't know – she was drinking hot chocolate and it had marshmallows in it, that's all I know," Gina says.

Throughout the 7 1/2 minute call, the sounds of choking and gulping could be heard.

Step-by-step, Paschke instructed Gina Williams on how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver.

"Listen to me now – I want you to stand behind your mom. Wrap your arms around your mom's waist and making a fist with one hand, place the thumb-side of your fist against the stomach just above the belly button. Tell me when you're ready," the dispatcher said.

"OK," Williams said.

"With your other hand, grab your fist and quickly jerk inward and upward. Do it now," the dispatcher said.

In about a minute, coughing can be heard and Williams begins tearing up while on the phone.

"Gina, you did an awesome job. You just – you did an awesome job for your mom," Paschke said.