MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. (WXYZ) — Madison Heights police officers helped save a 72-year-old woman's life after she was choking at a restaurant last Thursday.
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Police responded to a report of a customer choking and turning purple at Charlie's Restaurant on N. Campbell Road around 7 p.m.
Surveillance video from the restaurant shows staff and patrons racing to help the woman and calling 911. Police arrived in under three minutes.
“The police came so quick, like three minutes within us calling them," Charlie's manager Angelina Cacaj said. “Nothing crazy ever really happens in this little diner, and that was crazy.”
Watch the surveillance video below:
Bodycam of the officers shows police rushing in to save the woman, who was not breathing, and begin the Heimlich Maneuver. The woman is from Shelby Township and is a regular at Charlie's. She did not wish to be identified or interviewed.
All four responding officers have only been on the force for less than three years. All have been trained on the Heimlich maneuver, although Chief Brent Lemerise says it's rarely used.
“I’ve been here for 23 years and I’ve never given the Hemlich maneuver and I’ve only given CPR a couple times. I can assure that was the first time and maybe the only time they have to give it, but we’re very thankful that they were trained, they were prepared and they were able to perform those life-saving measures to save that woman," he said.
Watch the bodycam videos below
The officers were able to get the piece of food out, and the woman resumed breathing.
She was transported to a local hospital as a precaution, but has since made a full recovery.
"The Madison Heights Police Department extends special recognition to Officer Teal, Officer Rivera, Officer Al-Hilfi and Officer Berlucchi for their swift actions. Their efforts reflect an unwavering dedication to public safety and their commitment to serving the Madison Heights community," Lt. Scott Holdreith said in a statement.
The staff at Charlie's say they are grateful everything turned out OK after the terrifying experience.
“We’re so happy and we thank God that everything was OK," Cacaj said.
