KME-2020

kait, 30's, female, she/her.  heimlich maneuver, CPR, resus.

[kme-2020]

19A (PART 1 OF 2)

conscious to unconscious choking, one victim (F), one rescuer (F), incompetent rescuer, Heimlich maneuver/abdominal thrusts

*part 2 contains unconscious choking, Heimlich maneuver/abdominal thrusts, CPR/chest compressions, rescue breathing, one victim (F), three rescuers (F/M), incompetent and competent rescuers

Maya yawned and paused, feeling the tickle in her throat building again. She sighed, annoyed, internally cursing her roommate for bringing a cold back to their dorm room, which she inevitably caught since they lived in such close quarters. She cleared her throat and took a sip of hot ginger tea, and rummaged through her desk drawer, sniffling. She pushed aside pens, lip chap, condoms, searching for the bag of cough drops she bought this morning. She popped one into her mouth before returning to her study notes. The artificial cherry and menthol burned and soothed her throat in equal measure. Absentmindedly, Maya turned the cough drop over in her mouth, sliding her tongue over the smooth surface. She pushed it from one cheek to the other, biting down on it with her front teeth, forcing a small shard off the cough drop. She chewed the smaller piece and swallowed, then tried to bite off another small piece.

This time, however, the cough drop slipped from between her teeth and her jaw snapped shut, teeth clacking together. The cough drop shot to the back of her mouth.

“Huhh-hurrkkkk!”, a guttural, ragged sound escaped Maya’s throat. She gagged then gasped loudly in surprise. Maya coughed a dry, heaving sound that rattled her chest painfully, but quickly her breath was cut off as the cough drop was inhaled right into the top of her airway, lodging itself in a way that stopped air from moving in or out of her lungs. She tried coughing again, but nothing happened. Maya frowned, setting her pen down. Coughing always cleared her throat when water or food went down the ‘wrong pipe’. How was this any different?

Maya tried slapping the palm of her hand against her chest a few times, but the cough drop stayed stuck in her throat. The silence of the moment startled her, and she was confused as to why her coughs weren’t making any noise. Maya felt a hot wave of panic wash over her. Her pulse quickened, her heart beating painfully within her chest.

Maya couldn’t breathe.

She couldn’t move any air, couldn’t cough, couldn’t whisper, couldn’t do anything but panic. She grabbed her ginger tea and tried to take a sip, grimacing as the hot liquid spilled back out over her lips and down her chin, staining her oversized T-shirt along the front of her chest.

Maya dropped her mug in surprise, spilling the hot liquid, and the mug tumbled off the edge of her desk onto her bare legs. She pushed her chair back hurriedly, her legs stinging, face contracting in pain from the burn, yet no cry escaped her lips. She glanced down at the burning sensation, red marks mottling her thighs. Maya rocked in her seat with another silent gag she couldn’t control, her body trying to clear her airway. Maya looked around her dorm room, flustered. She was alone. Her roommate was at an evening lecture, as were the majority of their floor mates.

Maya was sure of one thing. She was choking; full airway obstruction.

Maya stood up, pacing the room, pounding her chest, thinking fast. The Heimlich, I need the Heimlich…can you Heimlich yourself?? she wondered to herself. She thought back to her first aid training from years ago- a job requirement for camp staff- vaguely recalling the facilitator’s instructions. Maya balled up a fist and shoved it above her belly button, cradling it with her other hand and forcing it in and up towards her diaphragm. She lurched with the effort, thrusting again and again. “Unggghhh” a wheeze passed over her lips, followed by a soft clicking noise. Maya paused and tried to cough, folding forward at her waist, but the cough drop stayed stuck, the painful lump in her throat refusing to budge.

Maya hurried towards her desk chair and threw herself over the back of it, wedging it underneath her ribcage, the position awkward and painful. She collapsed over it several times, ramming the edge into her tummy, but again, she couldn’t clear her airway. Panic and pressure built painfully inside her chest.

Now, Maya was sure of two things. She was choking, and she needed help; she couldn’t clear her airway herself.

The lack of oxygen made her starving brain move sluggishly, slowly. Maya stumbled to the door and wrenched it open with such force that it rebounded off the wall. She stepped into the hallway, unsteady on her feet, and looked around. She didn’t exactly have a plan, she just knew she needed help before she passed out. Imagine, how pathetic would that be she thought to herself, cringing at the thought of her roommate retuning from lecture, finding her lifeless body crumpled on the floor of their dorm…bare legs folded under her body, wearing nothing but her panties and T-shirt. She glanced down at her naked legs, only then realizing she hadn’t put any bottoms on, but she was too panicked to care much about that.

Maya stumbled forward, tripping over her feet, dry heaving, her body still working subconsciously to clear her airway. Maya grasped her neck, mouth open wide, gagging silently as she felt her throat constrict around the cough drop. It burned her throat, the artificial cherry and menthol flavours making her want to puke, taste reminiscent of bile. Tears blurred her vision as she reached a shaking hand to her dorm neighbour’s door and knocked. She was met with silence. Maya looked around, noticing the sound of music carrying down the hallway from another door. She stumbled, one hand in a fist pounding hard against her chest repeatedly , drool pooling in the corner of her mouth, the other hand grasping at the wall for support as she stumbled down the hallway, dizzy and weak.

Maya stopped in the doorway of a partially open door where the music was coming from. Fuck me she thought to herself, groaning internally. It was Rylie’s room. They had drunkenly hooked up a few times this semester. Now, things felt awkward and they avoided each other more and more; a challenging feat given they lived on the same floor in the dorms. Steeling herself and swallowing her pride, Maya banged a fist against the young woman’s door.

“Yeah?” Rylie’s voice called out through the crack in the door. Maya stood there, dizzy and nauseous, feeling her control over her body slip. She couldn’t focus, the panic and lack of oxygen catching up to her. Her knees wobbled and she braced herself against the doorframe, gripping it with one hand, the other scratching weakly at her throat. Maya tried responding, her mouth opening and closing, but her voice remained trapped behind the cough drop.

Panicking, Maya pounded on the door again, the crack widening enough to peer inside. Rylie was lounging on her bed, scrolling her phone, still dressed in jeans and a tank top. She looked up and frowned, taking in Maya’s disheveled appearance. Maya’s face was flushed and tear stained, eyes bugging wide, oversized T-shirt hanging lose on her thin frame, wet spots still evident on her chest from her spilled tea, naked waist down save for her panties, red burns mottling the pale skin of her thighs.

“Maya?” Rylie asked, confusion colouring her voice, a flush colouring her cheeks, no doubt recalling their last drunken hook up. Maya stared, still braced against the doorframe with one hand, the other clutching her throat. Maya could feel herself fading, face hot, her vision starting to swim. Her body lurched involuntary, eyes squeezed shut, lungs retching and heaving as it tried to rid her airway of the cough drop. Maya pushed the door open fully and tripped inside, stumbling with a head rush, her eyes searching Rylie’s face. I’m choking she thought dully, hands pressed to her chest, mouth hanging open, unsure how to communicate without her voice. Rylie sat up, confused, her brows drawn together. Maya stood, swaying, fingers scratching at her throat.

She found someone to help her, now what?

Maya gestured weakly towards her throat, pointing at it. “Maya, what…what’s happening?” Rylie asked, seemingly catching on that something was wrong. Maya wrapped her hands around her throat, her body shuddering as it heaved, once again trying to dislodge the cough drop from her airway. Maya shook her head side to side, the movement throwing her off balance, brain fog settling in. “Hheeuuhhh” Maya retched as her throat spasmed.

Rylie stared at Maya, frozen on the spot. God, she’s fucking dense Maya thought to herself, Help me, I can’t breathe! I’m choking, you idiot! She gestured to her throat again, eye brows raised, pointing as frantically as she could, flapping her hands. Her mouth gaped open, drool finally spilling over her chin and down to her chest in a thin string, further staining her shirt, the scent of artificial cherry and menthol overpowering her nose. Her tongue slowly came to rest on her lower lip, heavy in her mouth.

“Wait…are, are you choking? Maya, is this for real? Maya!!” Rylie called out, standing up. Maya mustered as much energy as she could and nodded weakly, relief flooding her body. She understands, she’s going to help, I’m going to be okay, it will be over soon-

“Fuck Maya, cough! Cough, spit it out!” Rylie cried. I’m trying, you dumbass she thought to herself, frustrated, feeling her eyebrows pull towards each other. Maya shook her head again, mouthing the word “can’t”, signalling with her hands. “Maya, just spit it out…spit it out! Maya? Maya, I don’t- I don’t know what to do!” Rylie cried, fear evident on her face, “what do I do?!”

Suddenly, Maya was aware of three things. She was choking, she needed help, and Rylie didn't know what to do in order to help her; she was screwed.

Rylie approached her then, hands hovering midair. Maya banged a fist weakly against her chest, hungry for air, desperate to breathe freely again. “Uhh, here, one sec” Maya heard Rylie mumble as she reached a hand over Maya’s shoulder and patted her back. Maya knew it wasn’t enough to do much good. Maya braced her hands against her knees and bent at the waist, hoping this angle might help the pitiful back slaps Rylie was attempting. Maya shoved her fingers into her mouth, pushing them to the back of her throat. She felt the cough drop there, sticky and tacky, but was unable to pull it out. Grimacing, rocking with each ineffective back blow Rylie delivered between her shoulder blades, she shoved her fingers deeper, hoping to push the cough drop down her throat entirely. Maya convulsed, eyes squeezed shut and her stomach churning with nausea, and removed her fingers from her mouth, cherry scented saliva covering her fingers. “Blurghhh” Maya retched, a quiet gag following.

Rylie paused, hovering at Maya’s side. “Is- is it out? Maya, come on, talk to me” Rylie’s voice called out urgently, leaning down so they were face to face. Maya straightened up the best she could, head spinning. “Are you okay? Can you breathe now?” Rylie asked. Maya shook her head ‘no’. “Maya, Maya please- I don’t know what to do! Tell me what to do! Maya!” Rylie panicked, grasping Maya’s shoulders and shook them, causing them both to stumble.

Maya shot Rylie an incredulous look. Resigned to the fact that Rylie couldn’t help, Maya tried another self-Heimlich, weaker this time, pushing her trembling hands up under her rib cage. Rylie watched with scared eyes, nodding slowly. “Ohhh, oh right, like on TV, here let-let me try” Rylie awkwardly shuffled behind Maya, disappearing from her line of sight. Maya felt her slide her arms around her waist from behind. Maya swayed and leaned her weight back into Rylie, knees shaking, struggling to remain upright independently. She raised her arms, making room for Rylie to begin the Heimlich maneuver. Rylie grasped her hands together and pulled straight back into Maya’s ribcage, not low enough to be an abdominal thrust, and not high enough to be a chest thrust. Rylie squeezed once more. It hurt, but again, Maya knew it wouldn’t be enough.

Maya grasped Rylie’s clenched fists and tugged at them, guiding them lower to the correct spot above her belly button. Maya tapped them as urgently as she could in her weakened state, encouraging Rylie to continue. Rylie squeezed, pulling Maya tight against her front. Maya joined her hands over Rylie’s and forced them in and up, correcting the angle of the thrust. She timed a push with Rylie’s, their hands thrusting into her tummy with more force.

“Shit okay! Okay, okay Maya, hang on…like-like this?” Rylie panted, grunting as she yanked her hands up and into Maya’s aching ribcage. Maya lurched in Rylie’s arms and nodded, throwing a loose ‘thumbs up’ gesture over her shoulder. Maya was lightheaded and dizzy, feeling herself fade from the ongoing lack of oxygen. She bounced a few more times in Rylie’s arms as she continued the Heimlich maneuver, heat spreading across her face and chest, pain burning under her ribcage.

Suddenly, Maya’s legs buckled and the room tilted. She slipped from Rylie’s arms and crashed to her knees. Maya threw her hands forward and caught herself, propped up on all fours. Maya tried to stand back up, but couldn’t find the strength, tumbling back to her hands and knees. She heard Rylie calling to her from behind, felt her pressing close to her side, her hand slapping between her shoulder blades again. Maya couldn’t process anymore. Her head hung limply, face flushed, mouth gaping open, a trail of drool hanging from her mouth, eyes unfocused. She felt Rylie crouch over her and reach around her waist once more, heaving her fists in and up, trying to force her lungs to cough and clear Maya’s airway. Maya winced, feeling the cough drop shift. She tried to cough, but her body wouldn’t respond and her brain was fuzzy. Maya remained on all fours, punching a fist into the ground, scared as Rylie continued her incorrect impression of the Heimlich maneuver.

Rylie released her and Maya’s body crumpled to the floor in a heap. Her eyes were glassy and half open, lips swollen, cheek smushed against the rough carpet of the dorm. “MAYA!! Maya, cough it up, come on” Rylie called to Maya, dropping to her knees beside her. Rylie gripped her shoulders and rolled Maya onto her back. “Maya please, stay with me” Rylie cried, shaking her shoulders, but Maya couldn’t respond with anything more than her unfocused eyes moving towards Rylie’s voice, but not focusing on her face. “Maya…” Rylie cried, desperate and unsure, pushing on her chest a few times. Rylie looked around her room. Her roommate wouldn’t be back until later, and she needed help- no, Maya needs help she scolded herself. She ran to her door and screamed into the hallway “HELP!! Help, I need help, Maya’s not breathing, she’s not awake- please, please someone come help!”.

Rylie heard a door open and footsteps thundering down the hallway. She hurried back to Maya, laying on her back, oversized T-shirt bunched up, exposing her tummy and panties, her naked legs sprawling. One hand gripped the fabric of her T-shirt, the other laying on her tummy. Maya’s head was tilted to the side, eyes half closed, sluggishly tracking Rylie’s movement through the dorm room.

Rylie kneeled beside her, openly crying, calling to her “Stay with me Maya, please, stay with me. It’s gonna be okay” Rylie cried, unsure if she was lying or not. Rylie placed her hands on Maya’s chest again, unsure, recalling the first aid posters she’d seen over the years posted in public spaces. She gingerly pushed down a few times, noticing Maya’s hand weakly reaching for her hands on her chest. “Does that hurt? I’m sorry, Maya, I’m so sorry” Rylie cried, pushing gingerly against Maya’s chest once more. Footsteps approached the door. “Someone’s coming Maya, hang on, just hang on little longer…”

*To be continued, part two coming soon!*

[kme-2020]

18

drowning, plus size victim, one victim (F), multiple rescuers (F/M), CPR, unconscious heimlich/abdominal thrusts, chest compressions, mouth to mouth/rescue breathing

I lay my book down and leaned back in my lounger, listening to the waves against the dock. I sighed, enjoying the quiet afternoon on the lake. My partner was out fishing, and hopefully she would return with something to cook for dinner. Music from the cottage beside ours drifted over. It belonged to a young couple- mid twenties, Polly and Caleb- Caleb had inherited it from a family member after they passed. They were lovely, often sharing a drink with us in the evenings. They had a group of friends up this weekend, and they were partying on the dock and floating in the lake.

I drifted in and out of a light sleep, watching their antics in the water when I was awake. It made me nostalgic; I was only about 10 years their senior, but I felt fiercely protective towards them. Caleb waved at me before launching himself off the dock and into the lake. I smiled and waved back, sipping my seltzer before throwing a towel over my eyes and leaning back once more.

I woke soon after, sending a shift in the energy next door. I frowned, listening. There seemed to be panic and a lot of splashing, raised voices and shouting. Suddenly, I hear my voice being screeched in my direction-

“Cindi!”

I sit up, squinting my eyes towards Caleb and Polly’s dock. The group have all made their way either to shore or the dock, save for about four bodies still in the water. But it looked wrong…there was crying, hands frantically gesticulating, someone running back towards the cottage.

“Cindi!! Cindi, help us, please…”

I stand up, realizing they are pulling a body out of the water, towards the shoreline. The body is limp, supported by a Caleb and a friend of theirs. I clambered up, tripping over my feet in my shock before steadying myself. Polly’s waving her arms, frantic, calling to me. I sprinted up the dock and made my way to the shoreline, jumping over the small creek separating our properties. “I’m coming Polly, hang on!” I cry out. I watch as they finally deposit the lifeless body onto the grass, and disorganized chaos ensues. Polly crouches down and is shaking the woman’s shoulders, someone else is standing over them, another is calling to the unconscious woman. The smell of weed permeates the air and the table is littered with red solo cups and empty beer cans, ping pong balls littering the ground surrounding it. The voices become clearer as I approach, as does the urgency of the situation.

“Is she breathing?”

“Kelly! Kelly wake up-”

“Call 911!”

“CPR! She needs-”

“I can help!” I call as I approach, realizing with a sinking feeling that I’m probably the most sober person here. Caleb had started chest compressions, but they were too gentle; not deep enough to do any good. Not in the right spot on the broad chest beneath his hands. Not fast enough. I think back to my unfinished seltzer, grateful I was only about halfway through my first drink of the day. I drop to my knees beside the young woman, lifeless, her lips parted and head tilted to the side. Her thick arms lay stretched outwards at her sides, soft belly jiggling each time Caleb pushed on her chest, breasts dangerously close to falling out of her purple bikini, askew after being dragged out of the water. Wet clumps of hair stick to her forehead.

“Here, let me help” I urge, placing a gentle hand on Caleb’s arms, pushing him back. He looks up, eyes wide, and a pitiful, scared whimper escapes him. “What happened? How long was she under?” I asked, leaning in and feeling for breaths. I dig my fingers into her neck, searching for a pulse through soft folds of skin. I frown, unsure if I feel anything. I moved my fingers to her wrist instead and waited. A faint, rapid pulse was present, but it was fading…

“I don’t know, I just noticed she was underwater and then was floating and not responding to anything” a young woman cried, lips trembling. “Caleb helped me haul her out of the water”. I nodded, focused but listening. Kelly’s mouth was open, her face slack, a tiny grunting sound escaping her lips, widening and closing intermittently. Agonal breathing. I frowned, realizing she wasn’t passing air independently. A thought crossed my mind…

“Did she take anything?” I asked, eyeing the baggie of weed on the table. There were no other supplies or substances, but still...it was possible. The group looked at each other, unsure. “I don’t think so, she usually just drinks, uh…”

“Does she need narcan?” I clarified, not looking up as I repositioned Kelly’s head to open her airway. “No judgment, just trying to get her the help she needs-”. “No” Polly said, cutting me off, “Kelly’s been clean for two years, she’s only been drinking today”. “You’re sure?” I ask, checking her pulse once more, pressing hard through the layers of soft skin of Kelly’s neck, only to be met by a few weak and irregular thumps. Polly nodded, tears in her eyes.

Kelly was in trouble, and she needed help. I looked up, finding Caleb. “Caleb, call 911. Drowning victim, unresponsive. CPR in progress. Now!” I said, forcing myself to be calm.

I pinched Kelly’s nostrils shut and tiled her chin up towards the sky. I inhaled and pressed my lips around hers, the sour taste of beer lingering on her mouth. I delivered my breath back to Kelly but met resistance, air escaping as her full cheeks puffed out, breaking the seal. I frowned, trying again. This time, water forced its way past Kelly’s lips and into my mouth. I gagged in surprise, coughing, turning her face away from mine. “Help me get her on her side, there’s water in her lungs” I coughed out, watching the water spill from her mouth. I grasped her love handles and heaved, struggling to turn her deadweight body over. Polly’s hands appeared and pushed, and we balanced Kelly on her side. I bent down, wrenching Kelly’s mouth open as more water passed over her lips and pooled under her face. It kept coming. I stood on my knees and stretched my arm over her large body and thumped her back several times, the water falling from her mouth slowly fading to a trickle.

“Okay, on her back” I order, and Polly helps me ease Kelly back, adjusting her arms out of the way. Quickly, I try again to deliver some rescue breaths. They go in, her chest rising somewhat, but not entirely. Then, I shift to chest compressions. I sit up and wedge the heel of my hand into the valley between Kelly’s heavy breasts, sagging outwards towards her sides. I place my other hand on top and lock my elbows, stacking my shoulders over my wrists. I press down, compressing her chest deep in rapid succession, quickly realizing this was going to take more effort than I anticipated due to Kelly’s size. I lean forward, using my body weight to slam down again and again, forcing Kelly’s chest to bow under my weight.

“…13, 14, 15, 16…” I count out loud, hearing a tiny grunt with each compression escape Kelly’s lips. I looked up, taking in the people crowding around us. Most looked scared, confused, afraid. Caleb was on the phone, giving the address of the cottage. Polly was holding a young woman in her arms, rubbing her back. I locked eyes with one of the friends who stood looked calmer than the others. “…22, 23, 24- You, what’s your name?…28, 29, 30” I asked, pausing to give Kelly two rescue breaths. Her chests rises and falls in shallow bursts. I still meet some resistance when I breath into her mouth, encouraging her lungs to restart.

“Dan” the guy mutters.

I return my hands back to Kelly’s chest, slamming my weight down to push her chest deep enough and force her heart to pump. I look back up, meeting Dan’s eyes. “…4, 5, 6, 7- Dan, come help me, it’s easy” I lied, already feeling my endurance being tested, “I’ll explain every step- 19, 20, 21, 22…”

Dan approaches and drops to his knees, watching Kelly’s soft body ripple and roll with each chest compression. A grunt accentuates each compression, coming from deep inside her half empty lungs. “Put your hands over mine- yep, that’s it- and when I say, you’re going to push hard and fast, straight down into Kelly’s chest to make her heart beat, okay? I’m going to give her two breaths now, put your hands down when I move mine away, got it?”

Dan nodded, placing his hands on Kelly’s chest, nestling his hands between her breasts. He watched Kelly’s chest rise and fall twice as I breathed for her. “Okay, Dan, now. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5…” I counted out loud for him. I reached out and pulled his shoulders forward, allowing more of his body weight to do the work of chest compressions on Kelly’s large body. “That’s it, keep going Dan…27, 28, 29, 30, stop” I announce, delivering two more rescue breaths to Kelly. I nod at Dan, “okay, again, 1, 2, 3, 4…” he compresses Kelly’s thick chest, her breasts finally wriggled free of her bikini top, lolling with the force of each compression.

Suddenly, a faint pop emanates from Kelly’s body and Dan falters with his compressions, pausing. He looks horrified, gazing up at me. “Keep going, it’s okay” I urge, nodding my head. Dan looks down “I don’t want to hurt her” he whispered softly. “You can’t” I urged “you’re helping her heart beat, she can’t do that on her own right now” I said. Dan steeled himself and closed his eyes, once again slamming his weight down into Kelly’s chest. “I’ll take over compressions next round” I offer, and Dan just nods silently.

A gurgle and another spout of lake water erupts from Kelly’s mouth. I lunge forward and turn her head to the side so she won’t choke. “On her side!” I command, and Dan helps to maneuver Kelly onto her side. Dark lake water poured from her mouth…so much water. I frown, unsure exactly how to manage the water in her lungs. Figuring nothing can make the situation worse, I balled up a fist and nestled it into Kelly’s tummy and pushed in. Water surged from her mouth. An idea struck me…should I try the Heimlich maneuver?

We rolled Kelly onto her back once more and I weighed my options. She was too heavy to pull into a seated position by myself and I was unsure I could reach my arms around her waist and effectively deliver the abdominal thrusts in the right spot. I swung myself over Kelly’s large hips, my knees just barely grazing the ground on either side of her soft body as I straddled her. I shape my hands into fists and lodge them into the soft skin above the waist band of her bikini, and brace myself before slamming forward, in and up into her diaphragm. Kelly’s body lurches in response, her head rolling to the side as another spout of lake water erupts from her mouth, splashing back down around her. “Jesus” I exclaimed, alarmed but pleased at the effectiveness of the impromptu Heimlich maneuver. I thrust again, grunting with effort, my fists disappearing into Kelly’s round belly. Muddy water pours from her mouth, emptying her lungs. I looked around, noticing Caleb had taken Dan’s place on the ground. “Caleb, turn her head and hold it steady so she doesn’t choke or swallow any more water”. Caleb nodded, hands gently cradling Kelly’s head and holding it steady as she rocked back and forth with each abdominal thrust I delivered into her soft, thick body. The water slowed, replaced by a grunting sound as her lungs emptied of water and was finally replaced by air.

Caleb noticed this change too, and he quickly repositioned Kelly’s head and breathed deep into her mouth. Kelly’s chest rose fully, unencumbered, finding no resistance in her lungs. Her belly expanded under my hands. “Okay, good, keep breathing for her” I encouraged Caleb. Still straddling Kelly’s waist, I dig my knuckles into her sternum, calling to her. She remains unresponsive. I reach forward and plunge my fingers back into the folds of her neck, still unable to feel a pulse. I clamber off Kelly and fall to her side.

“Okay Caleb, Kelly needs our help, two more breaths then I’ll resume chest compressions” I pant, ignoring my fatigue. I position myself and wedge my hands between Kelly’s breasts once more, the centre of her chest red from the assault of hands against her chest. I grimaced; I knew CPR was brutal, but I’d never done it in a real person, just on the mannequins during class.

Caleb and I work together, breathing for Kelly and pumping her chest, urging life to return to her body. Suddenly, a gasp and a weak, wet sounding gurgle comes from Kelly and she stirs. “Stop! Stop, she might be coming around” I hear Caleb say, feeling his hand on my shoulder. I pause, keeping my hands in position on her chest. I feel it tremble and rise weakly, once, twice, then fall still again. Caleb leans close and calls gently to Kelly. No response.

“No, no, no, fuck!” I say, exhausted, preparing myself to continue chest compressions with needed vigour, adrenaline pumping in my veins. “1, 2, 3, 4, 5…” I count out loud, now in autopilot. Kelly’s breasts jiggle, unencumbered by her bikini top, bouncing in rhythm with my chest compressions. “Come on Kelly, come on!…17, 18, 19, 20…” I count to thirty and Caleb provides another rescue breath, leaning back in to deliver the second one when Kelly once again gasps, her eyebrows drawing together. “Kelly??” he asks, tapping her cheek, “Kelly, breathe. Open your eyes Kelly” he urges her. She groans, but it’s unclear if she is awake or not. I sit back, hands still on Kelly’s chest just in case, feeling a faint flutter in her chest under my hands. I dig my fingers once again into her neck, feeling a beat. I check at her wrist, confirming.

“Her pulse is back” I say, breathless. Caleb looks at me and nods. “Kelly, deep breaths, come on, you’ve got it” he encouraged her, brushing her wet hair out of her face. Her chest continues to rise and fall; shallow and weak, but steady. “Okay, she’s breathing and her heart is beating. She might still have water in her lungs, so let’s get her into the recovery position” I say. Caleb nods, and I quickly manhandle her breasts back into her bikini top, though any semblance of privacy feels pointless now. We position her arms and work together to heave Kelly onto her side, keeping her airway open. Caleb keeps a soothing hand on her back, rubbing gentle strokes up and down Kelly’s broad back. I watch as her ribcage expands and falls; still breathing, as her eyes slowly blink and flutter open halfway. She groans, low and pained.

“Kelly, keep breathing, you’re okay. 911 is in their way and should be here shortly to help you and bring you to the hospital” I say, leaning close to her face. Kelly’s eyes are glassy and dazed, but she nods weakly, wincing, reaching a shaky hand for her chest. I grab her hand and keep it still. “We just did CPR on you, you weren’t breathing and your heart was struggling. Your chest and ribs are going to be sore for a while, but you’re okay. 911 is on their way to asses you” I reminded her. “We pressed on your belly pretty hard too, to get the water out of your lungs” I added. Kelly nodded and closed her eyes. I tapped her cheek, “keep your eyes open, Kelly, that’s it, good girl” I said as she sluggishly blinked her eyes open once more. “You’re going to be okay”, I said, finding Caleb’s eyes, smiling and sharing a look of relief.

******************************* FYI, it is either a feast or a famine on this page. I have a few WIPs on the go right now, but please let me know if you have any ideas or requests you’d like to see in a short story! You can comment here or send an inbox/ask. I’m mainly into choking/heimlich but am open to most resus scenarios. Thanks for reading!

[kme-2020]

17

conscious choking in public, heimlich maneuver/abdominal thrusts, back slaps, one victim (F), one rescuer (M)

‘here :)’ Violet sent a text to the group chat, letting her girlfriends know she was the first one to arrive. She looked around, tossing her brown wavy hair over her shoulder and walked up to the bar, ordering a caesar. She thanked the bartender and started a tab. It was that kind of night. A recent breakup with her long term partner Adam had her feeling…complicated. They were growing in different ways and still cared for each other, but were better off as friends, not lovers. Still, it hurt and was painful, and Violet needed a distraction.

Violet took a sip of the caesar, enjoying the savoury drink, waiting for her girlfriends. She enjoyed people watching. She scanned the crowd, recognizing some familiar faces. But one stood out in particular. Her stomach dropped and she spluttered on her drink, coughing, wiping her chin clumsily.

Adam. He approached, a lopsided smirk lifting the right side of his mouth, bringing out his dimples. “Am I dreaming, or is that-”

“What are you doing here Adam?” Violet demanded, trying to regain some composure, a tickle still stuck in her throat. She downed at him, anger simmering in her chest. He stared at Violet, incredulous. “It’s a small town Violet, there’s like three bars total, we were bound to run into each other eventually” he said, tilting his head. He looks Violet up and down, taking in her black dress, wavy brown hair and makeup, “why, what are you doing here? Are you on a date?”.

Violet blushed, fidgeting with her phone. Where are my friends? Violet thinks to herself, feeling annoyed. “I’m meeting the girls here for drinks” she mumbled, “then we’re going to watch my coworker’s band perform across the street”. Adam smiled, genuinely pleased. Violet suppressed an eye roll. “Oh yeah? Well, I’m heading there too, small world. I know the drummer.” Adam said.

Violet stared at him; “Yeah Adam, I know you know the drummer” she snapped. His face fell. Violet didn’t mean to be rude, but she was really looking forward to this distraction from heartache tonight. She sighed, gripping her caesar glass. Violet shook her head, “sorry” she mumbled. They locked eyes and Adam’s lower lip pouted. “Wow, an apology, was that so hard Vi?” he sneered. Violet could hear the joking tone, but she wasn’t in the mood.

Violet rolled her eyes. “Whatever, Adam” she scoffed. She raised the caesar glass to her lips and downed the rest of it, more for something to do than anything else, hoping the conversation would end. She picked up the garnish spear from the empty glass and popped an olive into her mouth, holding it on her tongue, focusing on the salty flavour, trying to ground herself. Someone bumped into her from behind, knocking her forward in her seat, squeezing her against the bar top for a moment. It wasn’t intentional, or particular rough, but it was just enough to make her current situation worse.

Suddenly, Violet couldn’t breathe properly. The olive had slid to the back of her mouth before she even had a chance to chew it, and perched at the top of her throat. The sensation surprised her, the briney flavour burning her nose. Violet focused, trying to move the olive back up with her tongue, but the slippery olive disobeyed her and slid further down, inching its way towards her airway. Panic flared inside of her, but Violet tried to stay calm. She kept her mouth closed and tried inhaling through her nostrils, but realized with horror that this was the wrong move as the olive slipped further back, seemingly in slow motion, and wedged itself fully at the top of her trachea, blocking any airflow.

Violet’s gag response activated, but nothing happened, other than an awkward shift in her seat. Her hands stilled at the edge of the bar top as she tried unsuccessfully to clear her throat. She was choking; honest god, full on choking. She couldn’t cough, breathe, or speak. She was scared, alarmed at how quickly things had escalated, how urgent and lethal it felt. Violet looked around and pulled at Adam’s sleeve, trying to get his attention back. Adam looked down at her, smirking.

“What’s up Vi, you good?” Adam asked, raising an eyebrow. Cocky asshole Violet thought to herself. Violet didn’t respond; rather, she seemed to curl in on herself and gag, but no noise came out. She raised a shaking hand to her chest and tried to swallow, a pained look spreading across her face. “Vi? Vi, you good?” Adam repeated, reaching out a hand to Violets shoulder. Violet didn’t respond. Maybe she didn’t hear him? “Hey, Violet, look at me…” Adam leaned in, frowning, concern flickering across his features. Violet wrapped her hands around her throat, mouth opening and closing, surprise replacing the pain on her face. She tried swallowing again, another silent grimace, then heaved without noise as if she were going to be sick. Violet slammed her right hand onto the bar, causing her empty glass to rattle, left hand still gripping her throat. She turned to Adam, frantic, pointing at her throat, mouth hanging open. Violet’s eyes brown eyes were wide and glassy, frantically searching Adam’s face, urging him to understand.

“Are you okay?” Adam asked, genuine concern in his voice, noting the energy shift between them after their banter. Their breakup had been painful for both of them, but amicable. He’d never seen Violet act like this before, and lord knows she never stayed silent longer than a few seconds. “Vi? Violet, are you okay?” Adam asked again, urgency lacing his voice. Violet shook her head no, hair falling into her face. Violet’s mouth open and closed, not a single noise, not seven a gasp escaping from her full lips. She closed her eyes and banged a fist to her chest, her cleavage peeking out the top of her black dress.

“Holy shit, you’re choking? You’re choking! Shit!” Adam exclaimed, standing up. Before Violet could even nod her head, Adam was pounding her back with his large hand, palm audibly smacking the bare skin between her shoulder blades. Violet rocked forward with each back slap, nearly toppling off her stool. She gripped the bar top and braced herself against the pounding on her back, still working to clear her airway, still silent, still suffocating.

Violet felt a flush spreading across her cheeks- lack of oxygen and embarrassment Violet thought unhelpfully to herself. Violet squeezed her eyes shut, trying to focus on clearing her airway, fingertips scrabbling at the tiny lump she could feel through the skin on her throat. “Vi! Vi, talk to me….” She heard Adam’s low voice urging her. Her eyes flew open, startled to see Adam leaning so close into her line of vision. Violet tried to talk, but her voice remained stuck behind the olive lodged in her airway.

A freaking olive. Violet was appalled at the absurdity of the situation; unable to breath because an olive was blocking her airway after she childishly downed her drink, at a bar waiting for her girlfriends to enjoy a couple drinks before starting their night out, only to choke and have her life relying on the hands of her ex. The universe is cruel sometimes Violet thought dully to herself.

“Vi! Violet, can you breathe?” Adam’s voice brought Violet back to the present. She looked into Adam’s concerned eyes and shook her head, pointing to her throat again. Adam disappeared behind her and she felt his arms slide around her waist, fingers frantically poking around her belly before settling above her naval. She braced herself, knowing that the Heimlich maneuver was coming. Adam thrust his fists up into Violet’s ribcage. Violet’s mouth opened in surprise; she would have called out in pain if she could pass any air.

Another painful thrust; Violet’s head flew back, knocking against Adam’s chest, lolling to the side as more abdominal thrusts racked her body. Yet her throat remained stubbornly blocked, still choking on the olive. Adam’s arms disappeared from around her, sending her toppling off her seat. She caught herself against the bar top, gripping it for support, half leaning, half standing. Violet was aware of how bizarre they must look right now; flustered and flushed, slumping over the bar, spit pooling in the corner of her mouth, thick brown hair thrown in waves around her shoulders, her ex alternating between pounding her back and delivering powerful Heimlich maneuvers into her aching abdomen.

Adam’s hand forced Violet’s face up towards his, his green eyes searching her face. “Violet, come on” he growled, opening her mouth and peering in. Violet grimaced, tapping Adam’s wrists, urging him back into action as she unsuccessfully tried coughing, her body heaving uselessly. Another round of firm back slaps between her shoulder blades. Violet noticed a bartender approaching, and was faintly aware of the small crowd that had gathered around them. Violet wanted to curl into a ball and die- don’t think like that she scolded herself, not now. The world lurched with each painful thrust Adam delivered into her aching tummy, her ribcage protesting with sharp pains. Pressure built behind her sternum, so close to bursting, her vision blurring with tears, when suddenly-

Pop!

A gag, followed by a desperate wheeze and a weak, unproductive cough. Violet grasped Adam’s strong arms still yanking into her waist, keeping her upright. “Vi? Vi, cough it out, that’s it, come on…” Adam urged, shaking her body with desperation. Violet jostled in his arms, dizzy and lightheaded, and tried to cough. A pitiful noise escaped her throat; the olive had shifted enough to allow some air to pass, but was still wedged firmly in her throat. Violet slapped her palm flat to her chest, desperate to clear her throat.

“I can’t- hurkkkk- get it- hngggg- out” Violet gagged out. Adam rubbed Violet’s back, but she needed more than that. She still couldn’t breathe properly. “Adam, h-help me, please-” her voice was cut off by a wet squelching sound, her airway convulsing, trying to rid the blockage from her throat.

Adam seems to understand and slammed her back several more times. Violet stamped her foot and slammed the bar counter in front of her, frustrated, scared, and angry. Violet drew in a shallow, ragged breath. She attempted a self-Heimlich maneuver, but Adam moved quickly. “No no, let me, here”. He stepped behind her once more and laced his fingers over hers, thrusting both of their fists up under Violet’s ribcage.

“Huckkkk”

Another thrust, “huggggff”

One more, “gckkkakkk”

And suddenly, the olive released itself from its lethal hold on Violet’s throat, popping out like it hadn’t just held her life in peril. It bounced onto the table in front of Violet, glistening in the low light of the bar, mocking her. Violet stared, appalled at how small it was.

Violet gasped a painful inhale, followed by a rough, dry cough. She wheezed, sagging in Adam’s arms. “Violet! Violet, stay with me…Violet?” His voice urged, lips brushing against her left ear. Violet panted, eyes closed, nodding her head, weakly patting his hands still wrapped around her waist. “Violet, talk to me. Vi? Vi, come on, breathe, you’re okay, you’re okay, just breathe…” Adam rambled, voice shaking, “…breathe, you’re good right Vi? Vi, say something, breathe, come on Violet, brea-”.

“I, I’m okay” Violet gasped out, cutting him off, voice shaky and weak. Violet felt a long exhale of relief leave Adam’s body, their bodies melting together. They stayed there for a moment, Adam’s arms keeping Violet upright, the back of her head resting on Adam’s chest, his chin resting atop her shiny brown waves. Violet’s knees were wobbly as oxygen returned to her with an intense head rush. “I’m dizzy” she mumbled, reaching for the bar and propping herself up on her elbows. She was aware of Adam’s reluctance to let her go, but she was overwhelmed by the intensity and the unexpected intimacy of her choking incident. She drew in a slow breath, throat burning, mouth watering, eyes squeezed shut tight as she tried to calm down. She dry heaved, and bile rose up her throat, but she swallowed it down. She dropped her forehead into her hands, chest heaving with each desperate inhale filling her greedy lungs.

“Let’s step outside, get some fresh air” Adam whispered to Violet, and she nodded weakly. He firmly gripped her bicep and helped her up, quickly readjusting her dress for her before slipping a $20 bill to the bartender and guiding Violet away from the crowd. She leaned into him, legs weak, lightheaded, allowing him to take more of her weight as he slipped her arm around his waist. They got outside and he propped her against the brick wall, and he leaned in, placing his hands against the wall above her shoulders and examining her face. She could smell his cologne; the one she bought him for his birthday last year

“Breathe Violet, Jesus…you’re sure you’re okay, yeah?” He asked again, genuine concern drawing his brows together. Violet nodded weakly, pressing a hand to her ribs gingerly and wincing. “I’m okay, that was just…a lot all at once” Violet mumbled. “Yeah…just focus on breathing, in and out” Adam’s eyes anxiously searched her face. “Did I hurt you?” he whispered, his eyes dropping to her lips. Violet licked her lips, flustered, and shook her head. He glanced down, eyes lingering at her cleavage, and placed a hand overtop of Violet’s, resting against her ribs. She wondered if he too could feel her heart beating overtime, pounding against her ribcage. A tear slowly trickled down her cheek. They breathed together, gasping, chests heaving and hitching as adrenaline slowly left their systems.

“Look at these two lovebirds!! Ow owww” a familiar voice called out. Startled, Adam and Violet looked up together, drawing apart. Three women, Violet’s girlfriends, approached, laughing and looking smug. “Sneaking away for some private time? You dirty little dogs, I called it. I knew you two would…wait, what’s wrong?”. They stopped, taking in Violet’s flushed and tear stained face, Adam’s pale and worried face, and the way that Violet held her ribs.

“Umm, so long story…” Adam began, glancing at Violet.

[kme-2020]

I’d love to role play choking lead to resuscitation with you!

I get this message from time to time- transparently I am not online regularly but am open to some rp, with the understanding that I am not the most active rp partner online. Feel free to inbox me :)

[kme-2020]

16

conscious to unconscious choking at home, Heimlich maneuver/abdominal thrusts, chest thrusts, back slaps, rescue breathing, plus size victim, one victim (F), one rescuer (F)

Out of the corner of my eye, I see you uncross your legs and lean forward. You looked like you were going to stand up, but pause and go very still. “Kayla? What’s wrong babe?” I glance away from the TV and frown, watching you. You’re leaning forward, the bowl of fresh grapes and cheese between us on the couch is overturned. One hand is wrapped around your throat and the other is braced against your knee. You turn to me, pointing at your throat, fear in your eyes. No sound escapes you, but it is clear what is wrong.

“You’re choking!” I stupidly announce. “Oh- oh god, hang on!” I stutter. I jump to my feet and pull you close, wrapping my thin arms around your athletic waist, straining slightly to connect my hands together. My tiny frame is pressed tight against your broad back, and I settle my fist into your abdomen. I can feel your stomach muscles straining and contracting as your body works to clear the blockage in your airway. I brace myself and squeeze my eyes shut, recalling the first aid training I completed ages ago and thankfully hadn’t needed until this moment. “I’ve got you, I know what to do, here we go…” I mumble, unsure if the reassurance is for you or me.

“One!” I cry out as I thrust up into your stomach.

“Two!” I squeeze again.

“Three!” I say, driving my fist under your ribs and yanking up.

“Four” I say, my brow furrowing in concern. Why wasn’t it working…

“Five!” I cry out, ignoring the panic rising inside me, “Kayla?” I ask, my arms still wrapped around you. “Kayla, are you okay?”. A terrible, strained wheeze escapes you. I let go and you stumble as I race to your front, grabbing your muscular arms. “Kayla, can you talk? Can you speak? Kayla…” I ask, peering up at you and searching your face, feeling stupid as the question comes out. You clearly can’t breathe, let alone speak. Your eyes are wide with fear and your mouth is open, saliva pooling at the corner of your lips. Your face and chest are flushed, your shirt slightly askew from my attempts at the Heimlich.

“Kayla…” I mumble, refocusing my efforts on saving you. I step back to your side and reach up, slamming my hand between your shoulders blades. “Come on Kayla, get it out…”. More back blows, clapping your back repeatedly, my hand and arm burning from the impact.

But you’re still choking. Still unable to breathe, gasp, speak, cough- nothing. You’re struggling, eyes wide and glassy. “Kayla, come on, cough it up, work with me!” I urge you, repositioning myself behind you for another round of abdominal thrusts. I reach my arms around your waist and grip my hands tight against your stomach. “Come on, Kayla, come on” I urge as I thrust in and up into your stomach one, two, three times.

You lurch in my arms on the fourth thrust, the size difference between us almost enough to throw us off balance. I stumble and lose grip momentarily. I gasp in alarm and steady myself, collapsing against your back. “Fuck!! Kayla, hang on” I cry, tears burning my eyes as I desperately yank into your abdomen again and again and again.

A rough, violent cough escapes from you.

“Kayla?” I ask, freezing in place. “Kayla, can you breathe?”.

I’m met with silence.

“Kayla, talk to me” I plead, releasing my arms from your waist and turning you to face me. My stomach dropped as I took in your trembling hands clawing your neck weakly, eyes unfocused, mouth opening and closing uselessly. You shake your head back and forth, swaying slightly. I reach out to steady you as you lose your footing, trying to guide you to land in the couch. “Kayla!” shriek as we collapse on the couch. I pull you into a seated position and crouch in front of you. Your eyes meet mine, dazed and unfocused.

Desparate, I grip your jaw and open your mouth, peering in. I can see the blockage in your throat and without thinking I shove two fingers into your mouth, swiping at the food obstructing your airway. You gag and I feel the lump move, but I can’t retrieve it. “Fuck, come ON” I exclaim in frustration.

I lean back for a moment, appraising the situation. You were still conscious, but barely, so CPR wasn’t appropriate. I scramble behind your larger body on the couch and squeeze myself between you and the couch. I pound your back once more, thumping your back, your shirt rolled up, exposing your waist toned. “Kayla, baby please breathe! Come on, you gotta cough it up!” I cry. I don’t even pause to check if you’re breathing or responding and go right back to abdominal thrusts. It’s harder to do now that we are seated. I pull into your tummy but my hands slip apart and only pull back. I frown and reposition my hands and yank again, but my smaller frame is struggling with the new position. I cant get the right angle to perform the Heimlich correctly.

I pause and feel my hands up your front towards your chest, groping your breast to try and find the right spot between your nipples. I grip my hands over your breastbone and heave back, hard and fast. Your head bounces and you sag in my arms, tipping forward and succumbing to gravity. “No no no, stay with me Kayla, stay awake” I cry, leaning my body weight back to pull you upright again. You slump against me, my tiny frame struggling to control your larger body. “Breathe Kayla” I gasp as I continue thrusting your chest from behind.

A gag and a painful sounding retch comes out of you. I keep my hands gripped together, centred between your breasts and yank back again, compressing your chest two more times, producing another retch. “Kayla?” I ask, throwing in one more thrust for good measure…you don’t respond. “Kayla, is it out? Talk to me…”

Still, nothing.

I scramble and strain to pull myself out from behind you, stumbling off the couch. I crouch in front of your slumped body and prop you upright against the couch, gripping your face in my hands. Your lips are parted and your eyes unfocused, half lidded and hazy. I pry your mouth open and peer in, noticing right away a half chewed grape at the back of your mouth. I hold my breath and shove my fingers in, carefully scraping at the mass of food and pull it out of your mouth.

“Kayla?” I ask, leaning in, my eyes darting around your face. I shake your shoulders and your head lolls sideways. “No no no, Kayla come on, stay with me” I plead, shoving my fingers against the side of your neck. I glance at your chest. It is not rising entirely, hitching in an irregular pattern. I can feel a pulse, rapid but weak under my fingers. “Breathe, come on…that’s it” I urge you, but your condition doesn’t improve.

Panic overrides my logic at this point. All I can focus on is your erratic and ineffective breathing. Desperate, I keep your body propped upright and steady as I straddle your hips, pressing you into the back of the couch. I pinch your nose and draw in a deep breath before sealing my lips over yours and delivering the breath back to you. I feel your chest and tummy expand against me, finding some relief knowing your airway is clear now. I break the seal and pause, waiting for your breathing to settle out, but it remains irregular and erratic.

“It’s okay, I’ve got you…” I pant, unsure who exactly I’m trying to reassure at this point. I lean in and breath for you again. I keep at it for four more rescue breaths until I pause and notice your breathing is more consistent and stable without my assistance. You stir weakly beneath me, but I remain straddled against your hips. “Kayla? Kayla, can you hear me?” I ask, pressing my knuckles to your chest and rubbing sharply, trying to rouse you. A moan escapes you and your eyes flutter, but you remain slumped back against the couch. “That’s it’s Kayla, come back to me, come on….thats it, open your eyes” I encourage hopefully, voice wobbling slightly.

Slowly, your brown eyes peel open fully and slide around the room, eventually stopping and focusing on me. “Hey, you’re okay, keep your eyes open” I whisper gently, cupping your face with my hand. “Deep breaths, that’s it” I encourage, exaggerating my own inhales and exhales. I slide my hand down to your neck and once again press my fingers to your pulse, closing my eyes in relief and the steady rhythm and the breaths puffing against my cheek. I lean forward and kiss your forehead. “That’s it baby, you’re okay, keep breathing…” I murmur between kisses. I press my ear to your chest and close my eyes, feeling your tummy exhale against mine and your heart thudding strong and loud. “Just breathe, keep breathing…”

[kme-2020]

15

“I’ll be right back, I’m just going to pop into the bathroom before we go”. Chloe looked up and smiled at Kendra. She and Kendra were out celebrating their anniversary with dinner at their favourite restaurant. They had enjoyed a steak dinner and only a few bites remained, though both women were full and unable to finish the rest of the food. She watched as Kendra slipped away towards the bathroom sign. Chloe sighed contentedly and eyed the last few bites of steak. It was so tasty Chloe thought to herself, what’s one more bite, it’s a special occasion! Chloe reached for her fork and speared a bite of steak, raising it to her mouth and savouring the delicious umami flavour. Chloe closed her eyes and sighed, leaning back in her chair, folding the napkin in her lap. Chloe frowned, only now noticing how big the bite was, her jaw working hard to chew the food in her mouth.

There was a sudden and loud laugh from a nearby table, startling Chloe. She gasped, startled.

Chloe’s eyes eyes flew open in surprise as the bite of steak slipped to the back of her throat. She coughed, her gag reflex activating involuntarily. Stay calm she urged herself, swallowing and trying to coax the steak down. It moved sluggishly, still partially blocking her airway. Chloe drew in a ragged breath, chest expanding, and raised a napkin to her mouth. She tried to force a cough and her eyes flew open when no sound came out; no breath, no air, nothing. Chloe scanned the room, trying to calm the panic rising inside of her. Her body heaved as it tried to expel the blockage, heat and pressure building in her face.

Where’s Kendra? Chloe thought to herself. She staggered to her feet, her hands clumsily gripping the edge of the table to keep her steady. She tried coughing again, banging her fist against her chest. A quiet gag escaped and she felt the steak move, just enough to cough loudly and painfully. She clutched her throat, drawing in a pitiful breath around the blockage in her throat, grateful for even the small taste of air she finally had. It’s going to be okay, focus she urged herself.

“Hey, are you okay?” A voice called to her from behind. Chloe glanced over her shoulder, unsteady on her feet. A woman with a kind face approached her, her brow drawn with concern. Chloe pointed to her throat frantically, trying to speak “chok-choking…can’t brea-“ her voice cut off by a violent gag. Again the steak shifted in her throat, teasing her. She flapped her hands, panic getting the best of her. Another tiny whisp of air entered her lungs with a desperate gasp. Her eyes watered and she clutched her chest.

Hands were on her shoulders, the woman leaning in and examining her face. “Try and cough” she urged, voice calm. Chloe nodded. A few weak coughs forced their way from her lungs and around the steak still lodged in her throat. Chloe gasped and coughed once more, but it was cut short and followed by a gag. “That’s it! Cough!”. Chloe tried, really she did, but was unable to produce anything more than a pitiful wheeze. The woman reached behind Chloe to pat her back, encouraging Chloe to cough. Once again the steak shifted. Chloe tried to swallow, hands grasping her throat, feeling her pulse hammering beneath her fingertips at the side of her neck. However, the blockage had settled firmly in her throat and no longer allowed any air to pass.

Shitshitshit ran on loop in Chloe’s head. Unable to calm the panic that had returned, Chloe turned her glassy eyes to the woman trying to help her breathe again. She shook her head and gestured wildly to her throat, trying to convey she could no longer pass any air. “Cough! Keep coughing!” the woman repeated, pounding between her shoulder blades with more force. Chloe rocked each time a strike hit her back, but she shook her head and mouthed without sound “I can’t cough”. Chloe saw comprehension dawn across her face as she took in the severity of the situation.

The woman side stepped Chloe as she spun her around. “Here” she said in Chloe’s ear, voice low and urgent. Her hands gripped Chloe’s waist, pulling her close until Chloe’s back was pressed to her front. Quickly, the woman’s hands settled against her stomach, right above her navel. “I’ve got you, hang on, I’m going to do the Heimlich” she said, pausing briefly to lock her fists together before yanking them into Chloe’s abdomen. Chloe lurched, taken aback by the force of it. Her mouth flew open in shock as pain rippled through her body, unable to collect herself before another painful thrust racked through her body. Chloe felt dizzy and scared, scanning the room for Kendra. Would she return to see this? A stranger trying desperately to clear her airway and get her breathing again? Would the stranger be able to do it? What if-no…no, don’t go there Chloe reprimanded herself, wincing as the woman thrust again into her stomach.

“Can you breathe?” the woman’s voice called out, sounding somewhat distant in Chloe’s ears as her balance began to sway. Chloe shook her head weakly. The woman’s arms disappeared from around her waist and Chloe stumbled forward, catching herself against the table, knocking over the glass of red wine at her spot. She glared at the steak still left on her plate, cursing herself for taking one more bite. A hand came down painfully between her shoulder blades again while another gripped her shoulder, helping her remain upright. Again and again the woman beat her back, her palm striking fiercely, sure to leave a red mark on her skin. Chloe’s vision swam, her brown locks falling forward into her face.

The stranger’s voice said something but Chloe was unable to decipher it or respond verbally so she shook her head weakly. Chloe squeezed her eyes shut as she felt the strangers arms return to position around her waist and begin another round of painful Heimlich maneuvers. Chloe’s hands grasped weakly at the arms encircling her waist, so persistent in their efforts to help her. Chloe forced her eyes open and tried to remain present, focusing on the feeling of her back jostling against the woman’s chest. Dimly she noted the woman’s chest heaving against her back, rapid breaths panting against her neck and a quiet grunt coming from the stranger each time she performed an abdominal thrust; Chloe felt an illogical pang of jealousy about the air moving so freely through her rescuer’s lungs and clear airway.

The steak somewhat dislodged from Chloe’s airway following a particularly painful thrust, her head lolling with it. Her hands flew to her chest, her fingers scrabbling at her throat. She was able to inhale weakly around the blockage and grunted as once more the stranger determinedly yanked in and up under her diaphragm. The blockage slid loose, still in her throat. Chloe folded over and coughed, working the stubborn mass of food out. The woman’s arms remained in place but the thrusts paused.

“Is it out? Can you breathe?”

Chloe wheezed and coughed again in response, curling inward over the strangers arms as Chloe thumped her chest, feeling the blockage inch forward towards her mouth. One more thrust and Chloe felt the air rush from her tired lungs and up her irritated throat, finally forcing the steak up and out of her airway completely. Chloe gagged and used her tongue to push it out, coughing as the sodden mass fell from her mouth and landed on the table in front of her.

Chloe wheezed and groaned, collapsing over the table, bracing herself up with her forearms. She was dizzy and weak, struggling to remain as upright as she could slumped over the table. “Hey, easy” the stranger murmured in Chloe’s ear, bending down so their faces were level, assessing Chloe. She took in Chloe’s glassy eyes, flushed face and shaking hands. “Here, let’s sit you down” she said gently as she propped Chloe against her and repositioned her chair before easing her back into it. Chloe raised a trembling hand to her eyes and closed them, focusing on breathing. The air was painful as it rushed into her irritated throat and greedy lungs.

“You’re okay, you’re okay. Breathe…calm your body and breathe. Like this…” the stranger said, demonstrating an exaggerated deep breath in and out. Chloe nodded weakly and did her best to follow suit, meeting her kind eyes, trying to ignore the wave of embarrassment she could feel building inside of her. “You’ve got it, good, keep breathing” she murmured. “May I?” She asked, raising two fingers to hover near Chloe’s neck, indicating she wanted to check her pulse. Chloe deflated slightly and nodded her head in resignation, once again overcome with embarrassment and shame. She closed her eyes and leaned back as the woman’s fingers pressed into the side of her neck and stayed there, counting the fluttering heartbeat felt in her carotid pulse.

“Chloe?!” Kendra’s voice called out, confused. Chloe opened her eyes and saw Kendra rushing to their table, taking in the scene before her: Chloe, dishevelled and slumped back in a chair with a stranger checking her pulse, the dining table a mess of spilled wine and the remains of their anniversary dinner, and a half chewed piece of steak staining the table cloth. “What happens?” Kendra cried out, grabbing her bicep and squeezing, her voice laced with concern. Chloe looked at her, exhausted and unable to speak as her chest heaved.

The stranger withdrew her fingers from Chloe’s neck and smiled at Kendra. “She was choking and couldn’t breathe. She wasn’t able to cough it out so I gave her some back slaps and the Heimlich Maneuver. She’s shaken up and her heart rate is quite high but it should return to normal as she continues to recover”. She turned to face Chloe. “Are you okay? Can you speak?”. Chloe nodded and replied “I’m okay” with a weak, trembling voice, her throat raw and painful. Chloe felt pain in her abdomen but was grateful that the pain she felt was the worse of her current condition.

Kendra drew the stranger into a hug and Chloe saw tears escape her eyes. “Thank you for stepping in and saving Chloe. I was only gone for a few minutes and this happened! Thank god you were here…”. Chloe watched as Kendra and the stranger embraced and the stranger murmured soothing words to Kendra before they both turned back to Chloe. Kendra rushed forward and wrapped her arms tightly around Chloe and squeezed her close. Chloe’s ribs protested and a small gasp escaped her, but Chloe closed her eyes once more and sighed, grateful to be breathing once more.

[kme-2020]

What happens next? You finish the story…(B)

I never expected to be someone who needed rescuing. I took pride working within EMS, responding to emergencies ranging from life threatening traumas to simple wellness checks. On a busy day off between errands, I didn’t anticipate becoming a victim when I decided to stop into a cafe for a bite to eat. So when the salad I was enjoying for lunch became stuck in my throat, I knew exactly what to do. I coughed forcefully, still able to pass air, trying to remove the blockage independently. I felt the blockage shift momentarily and I inhaled, eager for a full breath. However, the mix of lettuce and vegetables slid to the back of my airway and settled there, blocking any airflow.

It dawned on me I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t gasp, couldn’t cough. I paused, ignoring the panic I felt growing in my stomach. Stay calm I ordered myself, looking around to see if anyone had noticed my predicament. The crowd was thin, empty chairs empty scattered about as the cafe was closing in the next 30 minutes. Quickly, I tried a self-heimlich maneuver, yanking my fists into my diaphragm, trying to synchronize the abdominal thrusts with the pitiful attempts my body was still making to cough. I felt nauseous as pressure built in my chest, confused why I couldn’t clear the blockage from my throat.

I paused, looking down, seeing my white t-shirt had become untucked from my blue jeans. I looked around again, accepting that I needed help. I stood up and tripped forward, feeling dizzy from the lack of oxygen. I wrapped my hands around my neck, hoping someone would understand. I locked eyes with a young patron sipping from a coffee mug and gestured to my throat, indicating I was choking.

The stranger frowned as I approached, uttering “what the fuck” as they nudged the arm of the person they were with, “are you okay??”. I shook my head, frustrated at the lack of urgency they were displaying. I flapped my hands and stamped my foot, a strangled gag escaping my throat as I tried to cough. The stranger stood up, “are you choking?” they asked. I nodded emphatically, relieved they understood, however this was fleeting as they looked down at the person sat beside them and said “I don’t know what to do!”.

I stared for a moment before returning my focus to another self-heimlich, gaining more leverage now that I was standing. The stranger approached and slapped my back, but it wasn’t nearly enough force to do anything. I shook my head and pounded my chest, desperate for air to fill my hungry lungs. “Come on, cough it up” the stranger’s shaky voice urged me as they continued slapping my back. “No no, give them the Heimlich” the other patron said, watching us. The stranger stopped patting my back and wrapped their arms around my waist and squeezed, their hands too high to do any good. I shook my head and grabbed their hands, pulling them into the correct position and pushed them in and up into my abdomen, urging them to keep going. “Like this?” They asked as they continued the heimlich, and I could hear the panic in their voice. I nodded my head and dropped my arms, feeling my strength beginning to falter. The stranger squeezed again, but the force still wasn’t near enough to be helpful or productive.

The second stranger stood up and took over from the feeble attempts their friend was struggling with to clear my airway. They spun me around, wrapping their arms firmly around my waist and starting stronger, much more efficient abdominal thrusts. My head rocked back and forth, my feet stumbling as they worked their leg between mine to gain more leverage and support my body, weak from the lack of oxygen. My bangs had come free from the clip my hair was pulled into, falling into my eyes. I caught a glimpse of my warped reflection in the cafe window; I was dishevelled, barely standing up and supported by the arms around my waist. I vaguely resembled a ragdoll as my body reacted to each aggressive thrust.

It’s not working I thought hazily, my body becoming weaker as I realized I was no longer bearing my own weight; rather, I was relying on the stranger's arms to keep me upright as I was jerked up and down, my abdomen aching from the repeated thrusts. I felt hot and nauseous, and my world began to blur as I clumsily grasped at the fists planted above my navel, desperate to stay alert, but it was a losing battle.

I felt my body being lowered to the floor, cold tile momentarily pressing against my cheek as someone pounded on my back while I laid on my side. A face appeared in front of mine, calling out to me but they swam in and out of focus and I was unable to respond. I felt hands grip my shoulders and I was roughly rolled onto my back. My awareness was slipping, one final thought lingering…please save me.

********** So, what happens next? You decide. Continue in the comments…

[kme-2020]

What happens next? You finish the story…(A)

You see it on my face before anyone else. I try to brush it off, pretend it isn’t happening, try not to make a scene. But you know because you see me go still and press my lips together. Someone might think I was deep in thought, but you know better. I lower my fork and close my eyes, confused at how difficult it was to breath all of a sudden. I chewed slowly and deliberately before swallowing again, but the Black Forest cake i was enjoying only a moment ago doesn’t budge. Instead, it seems to solidify at the back of my throat. I raise a hand to cover my mouth and bow my head, trying again to swallow the lump of food that is blocking my airway. Your foot bumps into mine from across the table and I look up, meeting your dark eyes, panic slowly spreading through me.

My face feels hot as I lean back and push my chair back. I hear you calling to me but can’t process what you’re saying, all of my focus diverted to the obstruction in my airway. I remain seated, leaning forward and gripping the table, struggling to breathe. One of our friends sat beside me at the table gently lays a hand on my arm, leaning in and asking what’s wrong. I shake my head in panic, gesturing to my throat, begging them to understand. I’m choking, dammit! I can’t breathe!

I bang my fist against my chest, trying to cough and coax the lump of cake from my throat. I stare at the floor, humiliated; what an awful turn of events. I glance up, hoping to again catch your eye from across the table. I knew I could count on you. We shared a secret in our relationship; a resus kink, and our friends knew nothing about it. I blinked three times quickly and jerked my chin up, wrapping my hands around my throat. This was our signal for I’m choking for real! I need help! This is an emergency!

********** So, what happens next? You decide. Continue in the comments…

[kme-2020]

what would u like to resus rolepay if you had a chance in person with a partner …

I would enjoy choking leading to resus. Heimlich maneuver, abdominal thrusts, chest compressions and mouth to mouth! I would be happy to be the victim or the rescuer.

[kme-2020]

14

It was a hot summer evening, the kind with no breeze when the air was so humid it felt thick. Jade felt sweat beading on her forehead as she rounded the corner and caught sight of her condo building. Her pace quickened as she thought about the air conditioning that would greet her momentarily. Jade looked up and noticed her roommate Katie on the balcony several stories up. Katie was lounging in the hammock, reading a book, her light brown hair swept up in a bun atop her head.

Jade climbed the stairs and proceeded to her condo door, opening it and sighing with relief as the cool air greeted her. Jade hurried to her room and changed out of her office clothes and into leggings and a cropped tee. Jade sighed, relieved to be out of the heat, but still anxious. Normally Friday evenings meant Jade was excited for the weekend but tomorrow Jade was teaching her first class as a first aid trainer.

Jade returned to the kitchen and found Katie pouring a glass of wine. “How was your day?” She asked Jade, offering her the wine bottle. Jade grabbed a wineglass and took the wine from Katie, pouring her own glass. “It was fine, but I’m really nervous about tomorrow. I’m teaching my first class as a first aid trainer” she said, “I know that I know what to do, but what if I mess up?”.

“You won’t mess up, it’s easy” Katie replied, “You know what to do”. Jade met Katie’s eyes and Katie noticed doubt in Jade’s eyes. “Yeah, I guess” Jade replied, her voice trailing off. Katie could sense Jade’s anxiety about this.

Katie looked at Jade, thinking of a proposition. Will she think I’m crazy? She wondered to herself as the idea came to her. “You could practice on me” she said casually. Jade looked at Katie in bemusement. “What? Really?” “Yeah” Katie replied, “why not? You let me practice clinical skills on you before my exam” Katie said. Katie recalled the evening a few months ago when Jade sat patiently while Katie practiced on her before her exam. Katie never told Jade how much she enjoyed pressing her stethoscope to the soft skin of Jade’s chest and listening to her heart beat.

Jade’s eyebrows contracted, considering Katie’s suggestion. She knew Katie was as trying to ease her worry about tomorrow. Besides, Katie was an EMT and could correct her if needed. She also knew Katie appreciated the time Jade offered to let her work on her. Jade recalled when Katie practiced a heart auscultation on her and let Jade listen to her own heartbeat with her stethoscope. Jade had been fascinated by the sound of her own heart pounding away in her ears…remembered giggling and asking to listen to Katie’s heart. Katie had obliged and moved the stethoscope around her own chest, letting Jade hear her heart. It fascinated Jade, and had led her down this path of becoming a first aid trainer. It seemed a simpler way to help save lives than leaving her bank job and going to EMT school.

“I mean, if you don’t mind…” Jade trailed off, looking to Katie. Katie grinned, “not at all! Shall we do it here?” she said, gesturing to the living room. Katie lowered herself to the floor and looked up at Jade, smiling expectantly “I’ll be your CPR mannequin” she joked. Jade chuckled and kneeled down beside Katie. Katie inhaled as the floral notes of Jade’s perfume wafted towards her. “This is silly, there isn’t really anything I can teach you don’t already know, but thank you”. Katie met Jade’s brown eyes and said “I wouldn’t offer if I minded, you know that”.

Jade nodded, appraising Katie’s tall, strong and athletic frame lying before her. Her tanned tummy was exposed between the bottom of her white crop tank top and the waistband of her navy blue running shirts. “I guess I’ll start with CPR?” Jade asked, eyes lingering on Katie’s chest, her breath catching in her chest. Katie nodded and said “sure, talk it out like you will with your students tomorrow”. Jade nodded, feeling a little self conscious but relieved Katie was letting her do this.

“Okay, so if you find someone who is unconscious and not breathing normally, you may have to perform CPR. First make sure the scene is safe, then assess the victim. Check for responsiveness like this, calling out to them and tapping their shoulders”. Jade demonstrated, tapping Katie’s shoulders and calling her name. “Katie! Can you hear me Katie? Open your eyes!”. Jade watched as Katie pressed her lips together, trying not to laugh. Jade grinned too, trying to stay focused. “She’s unresponsive and I see no movement” Jade said.

Jade tipped Katie’s head back. “Next, I’m checking to see if she’s breathing” Jade said as she leaned in and tipped Katie’s head back. “I’m opening her airway and feeling for her breath on my cheek, listening for any sounds, and watching for a chest rise…she’s not breathing, so I’m going to begin CPR and call for an AED. I’m going to provide two rescue breaths, just like this…”.

Jade opened Katie’s mouth and pinched her nose. “Breathe…breathe…” she mumbled, feigning mouth-to-mouth. “I’m turning my head after each rescue breath to see her chest rise and fall to make sure the breaths go in. Next, we start chest compressions”. Jade straightened up and shifted her focus to Katie’s chest. “You want to place the heel of your hand in the centre of their chest, on the breastbone”.

Katie swooned as felt the warmth of Jade’s hand settle between her breasts. “Take your other hand and place it on top of the first hand, interlocking your fingers”. Katie felt gentle pressure on her chest as Jade assumed the proper stance for chest compressions and rocked forward. “Position yourself so your shoulders are overtop of your hands and compress the chest 2 inches. Release the compression without losing contact between your hands and their chest, making sure their chest expands back to the original position. Repeat that 30 times”.

Katie open her eyes and peeked at Jade as she simulated gentle chest compressions on her. Jade’s dark brown hair framed her face and she looked serious, counting under her breath as she simulated CPR on Katie, rocking gently with each compression. Katie closed her eyes again, anticipating what was next. “…27, 28, 29, 30. Alright, another two rescue breaths.”

Jade tipped Katie’s head back and pinched her nose. “Breathe…breathe…and back to 30 compressions. Repeat that cycle of 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths until they show signs of life, an AED arrives on scene, or EMS take over. Now, let’s practice. I’ll set a timer for two minutes.” She fiddled with her phone for a moment and Katie heard a beep as Jade set a timer. “Ready? Okay, here we go!”

Jade resumed the pretend CPR on Katie. Katie laid still, pretending to be unconscious, secretly enjoying it. She opened her eyes again as Jade began chest compressions and placed her hands on top of Jade’s. Jade paused for a moment, confused. “You okay?” she asked Katie, searching her face. “Is it too much? I can pretend without actually touching you”. Katie shook her head and propped herself up in her elbows. “No no, in fact I was going to say you will have to compress much harder in a real CPR situation”.

“I know” Jade replied, “but I don’t want you hurt you…”. Katie smiled, “You won’t hurt me” she said, shaking her head again. Katie laid back on the floor, one hand resting on her tummy and the other sprawled to the side. “Really, just push a bit harder this time, I’ll be fine”.

Jade frowned as she nodded at Katie, but felt an unexplainable excitement stirring inside of her as she positioned her hands in the valley between Katie’s breasts. She noticed how the thin fabric of Katie’s crop top drew taught cross her chest, seeing the outline of her bra beneath her hands. “Tell me if this hurts” Jade said and pressed down on Katie’s chest, slowly but firmly time. Jade paused with her hands nestled in the valley of Katie’s breasts, momentarily distracted by the gentle exhale that escaped from Katie. Jade slowly compressed Katie’s chest again, glancing at her face. Katie nodded and closed her eyes again. Jade focused and resumed rhythmic compressions, though not daring to sink the entire two inches into Katie’s cheat. Jade noticed Katie’s tummy bouncing slightly with each compression, her hand resting on her tummy slowly sliding off from the movement.

Katie kept her eyes closed and she sighed, revelling in the feeling of the chest compressions. Quiet little huffs escaped her throat from between her parted lips. This feels better than it should she thought to herself. She focused on Jade’s voice counting out the compressions. “…27, 28, 29, 30”. Jade leaned in and Katie enjoyed the sensation of having her head tipped back before Jade feigned another two rescue breaths. Katie let her head fall to the side while Jade resumed chest compressions.

This is kind of hot… Jade thought to herself in bewilderment. Jade watched as Katie’s body reacted to the CPR simulation- her breasts being squished under her hands, her tummy bouncing with each compression, the short exhale every time Jade performed a chest compression on Katie. Jade noticed her breathing had picked up and felt her face flushing. Actually, this is really hot Jade realized as she leaned in to practice mouth-to-mouth. Katie’s eyes opened. Jade paused as their eyes met, noticing a flush on Katie’s cheeks, unsure if it was from the heat of the summer evening or if Katie was also enjoying the CPR practice the same was Jade was.

“Breathe for me” Katie said, somewhat breathless. “Really?” Jade replied, hesitant but excited. “Yes” Katie replied, closing her eyes once again, “breathe for me, blow into my mouth”. Katie felt excitement as Jade pinched her nose shut and placed her full lips over Katie’s. Katie swooned at the sweet taste of Jade’s lip gloss, and felt warm air rush into her lungs as Jade exhaled into her, her cheeks puffing out as her chest rose. Her nipples brushed against Jade’s forearm. Jade released the seal and their lips parted, the air whooshing from her lungs. Jade leaned in again and sealed their lips together, delivering another deep breath into Katie’s lungs. Katie moaned quietly as the air rushed out of her lungs a second time. Surprised and a little embarrassed she snuck a glance at Jade. Jade was panting slightly from the exertion but had a smile on her face.

Jade raised her eyebrows as she shifted back onto her knees before repositioning herself to straddle Katie’s hips. Katie’s chest rose and fell as she watched Jade run her hands slowly along Katie’s ribs, lingering as she made her way to Katie’s sternum and once again finding the landmark between Katie’s breasts for compressions. She smiled as Katie closed her eyes and sighed as she began another round of chest compressions. She’s enjoying this too Jade thought to herself. Jade rocked back and forth, gently compressing Katie’s chest up and down.

“Harder” Katie gasped out, her hand suddenly reaching for Jade’s arms. Jade faltered and paused compressions, and looked down and Katie as she ran her hands up and down Jade’s arms. Katie’s hands settled on Jade’s interlocked hands and stayed there. Katie’s eyes remained intently gazing at their hands upon her chest. She looked up at Jade as Jade resumed compressions. “Harder” she gasped,, pressing down on Jade’s hands, forcing them deeper into her chest. Katie’s shoulders rocked and her tummy bounced against Jade’s thighs with each deep compression pushing into her sternum, ragged breaths escaping her mouth in tiny huffs that coincided with each compression as her breathing quickened. Katie dropped her head back and gasped, gripping Jade’s thighs as they straddled her hips.

Jade leaned in and pressed her lips tightly to Katie’s and blew air into her lungs. Katie’s chest rose to press against Jade’s hard nipples. Katie groaned and waited for another breath, however the timer went off, startling them both. Jade ignored the alarm and leaned over Katie’s face, both of them breathless and excited from the last two minutes. Katie laughed, and Jade did too, dropping her head to lay on Katie’s chest. It was warm and soft, and it was comforting to hear Katie’s excited heartbeat pounding in her chest. Jade felt warmth growing between her legs.

“Thank you” Jade murmured as she sat up, still straddling Katie’s hips, catching her breath. Katie and Jade looked at each other, silent for a moment, the only sound in the room their ragged breathing. “You will be fine tomorrow” Katie gasped out, her chest rising and falling. Jade traced the toned muscles of Katie’s abdomen with her hands, unsure of how to express what she wanted. She was pretty sure Katie wanted the same thing.

“Do you want to practice CPR on me?” Jade asked Katie, raising an eyebrow. Katie grinned and pulled Jade down on top of her. “Sure” she said, grinning. Katie rolled over and took Jade with her, pushing Jade onto her back. Katie remained straddling Jade’s hips, running her eyes along Jade’s small but muscular frame. Slowly, she ran her hands up and down Jade’s body, teasing her. She finally settled her hands in the centre of Jade’s chest.

“Is this the right spot, Jade?” Katie asked coyly. Jade’s chest rose and fell under Katie’s interlocked hands, the pressure slowly increasing as she leaned in. “Yes” she gasped out, “that’s correct”. Katie smirked as she pressed down and caused Jade to exhale a quiet grunt, enjoying the sound. Katie began slow, rhythmic chest compressions. Jade laid her head back and closed her eyes, indulging in the feeling of her chest being forced up and down, air exiting her lungs with rapid little huffs.

Katie paused after thirty chest compressions and leaned close to Jade. She pressed her lips to Jade’s and kissed her deeply, their tongues finding each other. Katie grinned and turned her head to whisper in Jade’s ears. “Okay Jade, it’s my turn now. Let me breath for you for real”. Jade met her eyes and nodded, grinning. Katie opened Jade’s mouth and sealed her lips over Jade’s and moaned as she exhaled all the air in her lungs into Jade’s. Jade swooned and gasped, surprised at how good this all felt.

Katie exhaled once more into Jade and sat up, meeting her eyes. “Okay?” She asked Jade. Jade nodded and reached for Katie’s hands, guiding them to her chest once more for compressions. “Yeah, I’m okay” she gasped out, laughing. “I’m ready” she said, and Katie once again forced her chest to bend beneath her hands. Jade closed her eyes and groaned, her back arching, warmth continuing to bloom between her legs. “Katie…” she gasped out, between ragged breaths.

Later that night, they were both laying in Katie’s bed, naked and comfortable together. “Jade?” Katie said, thinking back to their CPR practice earlier that evening, “I think you’ll be just fine teaching tomorrow”. Jade smiled and rolled over onto her side. “Thanks for letting me practice” she said to Katie. Katie grinned and leaned in to kiss Jade’s bare chest, precisely where her hands had compressed it only hours before. “Anytime, Jade.”

[kme-2020]

13

Maddie finished applying her lipstick and glanced at the clock above the mirror- 20:07, eight minutes until she had to be backstage. She looked in the mirror, appraising her look: brown hair neatly done into a low bun, stage makeup done, and costume on. She loved this two piece black sequin costume. It highlighted her toned arms and legs, the result of dedicating her entire life to dance. Georgie, one of the other dancers who shared this dressing room stood up from her chair and looked to Maddie. “I’m going to head backstage early, you ready?” she asked. Maddie shook her head, “I’m going to have a quick snack and head up, I had to work late and I haven’t eaten since lunch” she said. “Alright, see you up there” Georgie said. “See you in a few” Maddie replied. Georgie smiled and left.

Maddie had raced over after her day job, barely making it for call time as she had to work late, even though her boss knew she danced Thursdays and Saturdays at the theatre. Maddie hadn’t gotten the chance to eat dinner tonight. She rummaged through her bag, finding a protein bar. This will do she thought as her stomach growled. She unwrapped it and leaned back as she took a bite. I should have done this before my lipstick she thought absentmindedly as she chewed. Suddenly, a loud bang startled Maddie and she gasped in surprise. A mouthful of protein bar was sucked into the back of her throat and she gagged in surprise. Maddie dropped the half eaten bar and clutched her throat, alarmed at the sudden inability to inhale or exhale. She tried to swallow but it wouldn’t budge, the sticky mass adhering itself solidly into her throat.

Maddie’s face flushed as she realized in a panic what was happening. Shit!! I’m choking for real she thought, looking around the room and realizing she was entirely alone. Maddie smacked her chest, considering her options. She balled a fist against her stomach, just above her belly button, and grasped it tightly with her other hand. She attempted a self-Heimlich, catching her reflection in the dressing room mirror. Her reflection grow more panicked with each failed attempt. Fuck she thought to herself as she hopped up and raced around to the back of the chair. She braced herself and threw her abdomen over it, but she continued to choke. Maddie tried again, her reflection showing her face growing red as she attempted another self-Heimlich.

Stay calm she ordered herself, even though she felt the opposite. Maddie stumbled into the narrow hallway and looked around, finding no one. She heard muffled voices in the dressing room a few doors down. She lurched forward and banged on the door, lungs aching for air, her face and chest hot from the lack of air. A high pitched wheeze escaped her throat and she braced herself against the doorframe, trying again to swallow the gooey mass blocking her airway. Georgie’s duet partner Steve opened the door and smiled down at Maddie, his face quickly shifting to confusion. “Maddie, what’s wrong?” he asked, concern in his deep voice. Maddie looked up at him and gestured frantically to her throat, desperate for him to understand she was choking. Steve reached an arm around her and thumped her back. He turned his head and called over his shoulder to the other dancers in the room but Maddie couldn’t make out what he said.

“Maddie?” another voice called out from the hallway. Maddie turned her head to the left to see another dancer, Dana, hurrying towards her and Steve. “Maddie! Are you choking?” Maddie nodded weakly, feeling dizzy, and wrapped her hands around her throat, grimacing. Dana grabbed Maddie and spun her around, pressing Maddie’s back against her front and quickly slid her arms around Maddie’s waist. Dana nestled her fist firmly above Maddie’s belly button and gripped it with her other hand. Maddie lurched forward as Dana thrust her hands in and up into her. It hurt more than she expected, and Maddie would have cried out in pain if she could speak. Dana thrust again and again into Maddie, pressure building in her chest. Steve appeared in front of Maddie again, and was calling out to her but his voice sounded distant. Maddie’s body grew heavy and she gripped Dana’s arms for support, her body rocking with each abdominal thrust, Dana panting from her efforts to clear Maddie’s airway. Dana knew it was desperate and tried to focus, but was alarmed that Maddie was still choking despite her efforts. Steve steadied Maddie as she stumbled forward in Dana’s arms and guided them out of the hallway into the dressing room.

Maddie’s reflection startled her through her grogginess. Her chest and face were bright red and she looked dishevelled, her costume askew, lipstick smudged. Dana’s arms were keeping her upright, still circled around Maddie’s waist, her face determined and serious. Maddie watched through her oxygen deprived haze as Dana continued the Heimlich Maneuver on her, noticing a small crowd of fellow dancers had appeared. It’s not working Maddie thought to herself as she bobbed up and down in Dana’s arms, banging a fist against her chest, urging the lump of food caught in her throat to move.

“Tell the backstage manager Maddie’s choking and can’t breathe, and to call 911!” Maddie heard Dana shout. Steve nodded and disappeared swiftly. Dana repositioned her hands and once again thrust violently into Maddie’s stomach, forcing her diaphragm up. Maddie felt the sequins of Dana’s costume scratch her back with each Heimlich as she bounced in her arms. Maddie slumped over Dana’s arms when suddenly the sticky mass of half chewed protein bar dislodged from her airway and into her mouth. Semi conscious, Maddie grunted as another abdominal thrust sent waves of pain through her abdomen and she struggled to coughed the soggy mass of food out.

“Maddie!!” Dana called out but Maddie couldn’t respond as she focused on trying not to collapse and loose consciousness, her vision swirling. Maddie struggled to inhale and groaned inadvertently in pain, feeling dizzy and sick. Maddie was weak and couldn’t support herself, but Dana guided Maddie into a chair. Dana crouched down before Maddie, placing a reassuring hand on her back. “Breathe Maddie, you’re okay now.” Maddie nodded and tried to focus on inhaling but couldn’t catch her breath. “Is it all out?” Dana asked, leaning in and examining Maddie’s face. Maddie nodded and managed to gasp out between ragged breaths “yes…I can’t…catch my breath…I can’t…breathe” she realized as panic grew inside of her. She tried to control her breathing but couldn’t- it was like Maddie couldn’t control her body.

Maddie felt lightheaded and dizzy, gasping for air but unable to breathe. She was sore- ribs and chest on fire, face hot, throat raw. Maddie struggled to breathe, chest heaving with ragged, shallow breaths. Suddenly Georgie reappeared and pushed her way into the room and ran to Maddie’s side. She appraised her for a moment before saying “Maddie, you’re hyperventilating. You need to calm your breathing. Breathe deep and slow…inhale for 4…exhale for 4”. Maddie tried to pace my breathing, but to no avail. “Breathe from your belly” she said, “purse your lips and breathe, you can do this Maddie” Georgie encouraged Maddie. She placed one hand on Maddie’s shoulder and the other on her chest, encouraging her to inhale and exhale thoroughly. She took exaggerated breaths and Maddie mirrored them, slowly feeling herself start to calm down.

Maddie’s breathing was wheezy but beginning to even out. “That’s it Maddie, you got it, control your breathing”. Maddie nodded, still feeling dizzy and unwell. Georgie and Dana stayed with Maddie while Steve and the other dancers and performers slowly trickled out of the dressing room, relieved to know that Maddie was breathing again. Dana was fretting that she had hurt Maddie, but Maddie brushed it off, affirming that she was grateful Dana stepped in to help her.

[kme-2020]

For the choking ask game: 5, 6, 11

5. Honestly I guess I’m a little boring because I love the mundane, daily life scenarios? Victim must survive. I like a scene when someone chokes on food at home or in a restaurant/any public space. I think my ultimate scene would include one victim and one rescuer, maybe another person also rescuing or as a bystander. There would be a detailed description of when the victim realizes they can’t breathe, choking symptoms, emotions at play, the victim’s response to the efforts, and various perspectives included describing the scenario from their POV. I like when someone expels the food from their throat and are barely conscious and then pass out and need mouth to mouth breathing to help them stabilize- again with lots of detail describing the resus efforts.

6. I’m into it, but it isn’t an “must” for me after a good choking/heimlich scene. I especially like mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing. If a victim needs resus due to passing out while the airway is still blocked, I love when the rescuer straddles the victim for abdominal thrusts and chest compressions.

11. I like different POVs in a story. It’s fun to see the victim’s experience, then the rescuer, bystanders, etc.

[heimlich-heathen]

Choking-specific ask game because the community has had an uptick of heimlich enjoyers which I LOVE TO SEE!

Send a number through asks and I'll answer! Feel free to reblog to get questions of your own.

What is your earliest memory of engaging with heimlich fantasy?

Do you think anything sparked your interest in it?

Conscious or unconscious rescue?

Self-heimlich or partner assistance?

What is your ultimate heimlich fantasy?

Thoughts on resus being needed afterwards?

What is an underrated aspect of this niche of the community?

What is your go-to item for the victim to choke on?

Public or private rescue?

How do you feel about multiple rescuers?

What is something you wish would be included more in heimlich works?

What is your favorite pairing for these scenarios? (Fandom or your own characters)

Favorite location for rescue?

Favorite rescuer/victim dynamic?

Free space! Tell me anything you want about you and your connection to heimlich stuff :)

[kme-2020]

12

I smiled at the red haired waitress as she sat my lunch down in front of me. “Thanks” I mumbled and put my book away. “Let me know if you need anything, my name’s Sammie” she said, pointing to the name tag pinned to the apron covering her large chest. Sammie was cute, red haired and curvy with bright green eyes and freckles covering her round face. I nodded as she left, already tending to another table’s request. I was in the middle of a long drive to visit my sister for a week- a much needed distraction after the breakup I was going through.

I picked up the sandwich and took a bite, savouring the flavour of the fresh bread to distract myself from the tears I’d been trying to resist all morning. I felt so betrayed and caught off guard by this breakup, it was hard to ignore the feelings at times. I swallowed and gazed out the window, looking forward to getting back on the road and finding solace in my car.

I felt the tears welling in my eyes again and sighed, returning my focus to the meal in front of me. I took a large bite and chewed quickly, hoping to get out of the cafe as soon as possible. I’d rather cry in the comfort of my car than a public space. I felt on the verge of letting out a sob so I took a deep breath and swallowed, but soon realized the mouthful of food was too big. I coughed in surprise, covering my mouth with my hands. The lump of food didn’t move from my throat, but I was able to draw in a wheeze and coughed again, this time more forcefully. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Sammie look my way. I held up a hand to reassure her I was okay, embarrassment washing over me.

Fuck me I thought to myself as I reached for a sip of my coffee, coughing. I raised the cup to my lips with shaky hands and took a sip. The half chewed mass of food caught in my throat seemed to absorb the coffee and expand, sealing my airway shut. Alarmed, I tried to inhale but couldn’t move any air. I slammed my cup down, coffee splashing over the sides and pooling on the table. I focused on swallowing, but couldn’t move the blockage no matter how hard I tried. I can’t breathe I realized as the severity of my situation crashed down around me.

I felt confused and mortified, unsure of what to do. I looked around in a panic, but no one seemed to realize I was choking. I was unable to speak or cough. I clutched at my throat, desperate to clear my airway without causing a scene. I pounded a fist against my chest and tried swallowing again. The blockage shifted slightly in my throat. A gasp and a low cough escaped me, followed by a wheezing noise.

I stood up and hurried away, trying not to draw attention to myself. I wasn’t sure where I was going, but I was hot in the face and disoriented from the panic inside of me. I tried coughing again, barely passing any air, the blockage still stubbornly stuck in my throat. I noticed a sign for the bathrooms pointing down a hallway and headed that way. Finding the hallway empty, I stopped and reached a hand out to the wall for balance and bent over, bracing my other hand against my knee as an awful wretching sound escaped my throat.

“Hey!” I heard someone call out behind me. I looked over my shoulder to see the curvy waitress Sammie approaching. I tried to stand up and escape to the bathroom but I couldn’t take another step as my body involuntarily tried to expel the blockage. I stumbled and doubled over again as I gagged, my eyes watering. “What’s wrong? Hey…you’re choking!” Sammie called out, more like a statement of fact than a question. I nodded in resignation, and tried coughing again, producing a weak cough and a wheeze. I was embarrassed and aware of how absurd I must look with a red face, hunched over and grasping the wall for support as I struggled to breathe.

Heavy footsteps approached me from behind. “Come here” Sammie’s voice urged me. Suddenly, soft arms grabbed me and were wrapping around my waist, steadying me. “Let me help you” Sammie said in my ear as she grasped her chubby fists and placed them against my stomach. She pulled me close to her so my back was flush to her front. I realized I felt oddly comforted by the warm softness of her body. “Ready?” she asked locking her hands firmly in place above my navel, but before I could respond she thrust her hands up and into me, forcing my lungs to produce an artificial cough. I gripped her forearms with my hands, startled by the force, and by the fact that the blockage didn’t move. Another thrust that almost lifted me off my feet, followed by another. I heard a soft grunt come from her each time she tried to help me clear my airway. Her breasts squished against my back with each thrust as I lurched against her body, but I was still choking.

Sammie paused and craned her neck over my shoulder, her freckled face and red hair appearing in my peripheral vision. “Try and cough each time I thrust” she panted. I nodded to show my understanding, starting to feel dizzy. “On three” she said, her strong arms around my waist providing soothing reassurance. “Okay” she said, readjusting her hands and pulling my body close once more, steadying me for what was to come. “One, two, THREE” she grunted as she assaulted my abdomen with another Heimlich. “One, two, THREE” another thrust causing me to grimace in pain as I clutched my throat. My vision began to blur from the tears in my eyes. “One, two, THREE…one, two, THREE-oh!!”

I gagged and the blockage shifted. I coughed independently but Sammie kept her reassuring arms wrapped around my waist, supporting me. “Keep coughing” she ordered, appearing once again in my peripheral vision. I leaned forward over her hands and coughed, the half chewed sandwich finally dislodging itself from my airway. I gagged and spat it out. I gasped for air as Sammie patted my back. “Is it all out? Can you breathe?” she called out. I tried to catch my breathe but another coughing fit began. “Talk to me” she said, concern in her voice. I nodded my head and sank to my knees. I remained on all fours for a moment, panting and gulping in fresh air. “Yeah, I’m okay…I’m okay” I gasped, my chest heaving and eyes watering. Sammie crouched beside me and placed a hand my back, “okay, just breathe, you’re gonna be fine”.

Sammie helped me up and slipped an arm around my waist, supporting me against her curvy frame as we walked back to my table. She sat beside me, her cheeks also flushed from the effort and adrenaline of my choking incident. She placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder and leaned in. “Im going to get you some water. Just relax and take some deep breaths, I’ll be right back” she said. I watched as Sammie stood up and went back to the kitchen, grateful to have been saved by her.

[kme-2020]

hi very good stories would you consider meet up in person or creating film?

Thank you and no, it’s unlikely I would ever video anything or meet up in person. Sorry.

[kme-2020]

11 (Holly’s Perspective, Rescuer #2)

(Third of three parts, each with a different perspective in the same story)

I noticed Lauren suddenly became very still. Perplexed, I kept an eye on her, but soon a pained look crossed her face and she closed her eyes, inhaling sharply. “Lauren?” Ava asked. I shot a look to Ava and we both frowned, confused at Lauren’s sudden change in demeanour. Lauren gripped the edge of the table and opened her eyes. “Lauren, are you okay?” I asked, leaning over to examine her closer. Lauren remained still and appeared to gag, a wheeze escaping her. Her mouth opened wide but no sound came out. Something’s wrong I thought as I felt my body tensing up, when a realization dawned on me.

“Is she choking?!” I asked, just as Ava got to her feet and hurried to Lauren’s side, calling out to her. “Lauren, can you breathe? Lauren? Hey, talk me to me…”. But Lauren remained seated and didn’t respond, her face growing red, her eyes still closed. “Lauren!” Ava cried out as she slammed her open palm against Lauren’s back. Lauren rocked forward and her eyes flew open, meeting my gaze. I could see panic in her face as Ava pounded her back, unable to dislodge the food from her airway.

Fear kept me frozen in place, and I watched as Ava bent down to Lauren’s height and wrapped her arms around Lauren’s athletic frame. Ava fumbled a bit, struggling to find the right position for the Heimlich Maneuver through Lauren’s thick knitted sweater. Ava pulled the sweater’s hem up, exposing Lauren’s toned stomach. Ava’s fingers scrambled to find the spot just above Lauren’s belly button. Ava made a fist and grasped it with her other hand. She thrust aggressively up and into Lauren’s diaphragm, trying to force her lungs to cough. Lauren jolted with each thrust, a pained look on her face now. Lauren gripped the table and shook her head, indicating she was still choking. Ava thrust again and again, Lauren’s body lurching in her seat with each thrust. I watched as Lauren attempted to cough and gag, clutching at her throat and pounding her chest in desperation.

I shook my head and focused, I need to help, it’s not working I thought as I rushed to Lauren and Ava’s side. “Get her on her feet” I suggested. Ava nodded, “stand up!” she demanded Lauren as she dragged her to her feet. I moved the chair out of the way as Ava restarted back blows. I grabbed Lauren’s shoulders and steadied her as Ava again violently stuck her between her shoulder blades. Lauren’s face and chest were flushed, and the panic was evident in her eyes.

Ava switched back to abdominal thrusts, Lauren’s body doubling over from the force. I could tell the abdominal thrusts were more powerful with Lauren standing up. “Come on, Lauren, cough!” I called to her, meeting her frightened eyes, “Cough!” I yelled, noticing her face growing even redder than before and her eyes were watering.

Ava paused to quickly reposition her hands before sending another violent barrage of thrusts into Lauren’s abdomen. I watched as her toned belly was assaulted and beaten by Ava’s hands performing the Heimlich Maneuver. A retching noise suddenly escaped from Lauren’s throat and a soggy mass slid from Lauren’s mouth. “It’s out!” I announced, smiling with relief. I crouched and examined the blockage on the floor and laugh, “it was a grape” I said.

“Lauren? Lauren are you okay?”, Ava’s voice calls out. There’s no response. I frowned and looked back up. Ava’s arms remained around Lauren’s waist, and Lauren’s shaky hands were gripping Ava’s hands, still in position for the Heimlich. Lauren’s eyes were unfocused and she appeared to still be struggling to breathe. Ava looked to me, equally concerned. “Lauren? Hey Lauren! Can you hear us?” I asked, peering closer at Lauren, grasping her face in my hands. Lauren’s body slips in Ava’s arms. Shit, she’s not okay! I think. “She’s passing out, get her to the ground!” I say.

We work together and lay Lauren’s disheveled figure on her back, kneeling on either side of her. Her sweater is bunched up and exposing the top of her leggings and abdomen. Startled by Lauren’s stillness I grab her shoulders and shake them. “Lauren! Lauren, can you hear me?” Lauren doesn’t respond but her mouth gasps open, a wheeze escapes her lips. I tilt her head back and open her airway, leaning in to listen. I glance at her chest and see her breasts rising and falling in shallow, irregular breaths.

“Her respirations are really shallow, she’s barely breathing…” I said, concentrating as I press my fingers into the side of Lauren’s neck, searching for a pulse which I feel beating rapidly. I pulled Lauren’s sweater up and laid my ear against her chest, listening. “Her hearts beating quick but she struggling to move air properly…” I said to Ava. I need to breathe for her I think as I straighten up and return to Lauren’s face.

I placed my hand under Lauren’s chin and tipped her head back again and pinched her nose shut. I opened her mouth wide and glanced in quickly- no remaining blockage- and inhaled deeply before sealing my lips over hers. I exhaled my breathe into her lungs until I felt resistance. I turned my head to watch as Lauren’s chest deflated and a whoosh of my breathe was exhaled against my cheek.

I continued rescue breathing, Lauren’s breasts rising and falling under her bunched up sweater. I watched as Ava reached for Lauren’s wrist and monitored her pulse. “Stay with us Lauren!” she begged, a tear trickling down her cheek.

I pause my mouth-to-mouth respirations momentarily and we both stared at Lauren whose mouth remained open and a grunt emanated from her throat. “Breathe Lauren, come on…” I encouraged her, vigorously rubbing my fist against her sternum. Another grunt escapes Lauren’s mouth. “Is she coming around?” Ava asked. I shook my head. “Not yet” I sighed as I resumed resuscitation efforts. I pressed my lips over Lauren’s mouth and delivered another breath, my face flushing from the effort of breathing for two. I continued rythym for another five breaths when Lauren let out a low groan.

I paused again and I watched Lauren’s chest rise without my breath assisting her. She’s breathing!! I realize and I tap Lauren’s cheek, hoping to rouse her. I placed a hand firmly against Lauren’s chest and leaned in, feeling the rise and fall of her chest and gentle exhales against my cheek. “She’s breathing!” I exclaimed, as Lauren groggily tried to open her eyes.

I sit up as Ava leans in and calls out, “Lauren, can you hear me?”. Lauren struggles to focus on our faces but weakly nods her head. Relief rushed through me for a second time, and I press my fingers into Lauren’s neck again. Her pulse is strong and steady. “I’m going to put you in the recovery position” I said, gesturing to Ava for assistance. Ava pulls Lauren’s sweater back down to cover her stomach and I brush her blond hair out of her face. We gently rolled Lauren onto her side and I leaned in close to Lauren, checking her breathing. Her chest rises and falls regularly. I placed a comforting hand on Lauren’s shoulder and kneel in front of her. Lauren’s tired and confused eyes meet mine. “Focus on breathing” I said in a gentle voice, rubbing her back soothingly. Lauren didn’t reply but she gave a small nod. “You’re okay now, you’re going to be fine” I said, “we’ve got you”.

[kme-2020]

10 (Ava’s Perspective, Rescuer #1)

(Second of three parts, each with a different perspective in the same story)

I opened the patio door and stepped out, enjoying the warm autumn sunshine on my face. I loved cabin weekends, bringing my family and friends up to the lake. I set out a small snack plate of fruit and nuts. Holly grabbed some almonds while Lauren took some grapes. I sipped my wine and leaned back in my chair. “So, my new job…it’s been a good first month, but I have the funniest desk mate” I said. “Really?” Holly laughed, “how so?”. “She hums Taylor Swift songs while she works, it’s so distracting!” I said.

Holly rolled her eyes and Lauren’s shoulders shook from laughter, though I noticed she became very still. A pained look crossed her face and she closed her eyes, inhaling sharply. “Lauren?” I asked, frowning. Lauren gripped the edge of the table and opened her eyes. I looked at Holly who appeared equally confused. “Lauren, are you okay?” She asked. Lauren remained still and appeared to gag, a wheeze escaping her. Realization dawned on me- she’s choking! I thought, just as I heard Holly say “is she choking?”

I jumped to my feet and stepped around the table. “Lauren, can you breathe? Lauren? Hey, talk me to me…”. Lauren appeared to not hear me and remained seated, struggling to breathe as her face grew red. “Lauren!” I cried out. Without waiting for a response I slapped her back, hard. I gave her a few more back blows but Lauren remained silent. I gotta do the Heimlich I thought.

I bent down while Lauren remained seated and wrapped my arms around Lauren’s waist, struggling to find her belly button through her thick knitted sweater. Desperate, I pulled the fabric up and I made a fist and grasped it with my other hand, nestling my thumb into the skin jsut above Lauren’s belly button. I sharply pulled my fists in and up into her diaphragm, trying to force her lungs to cough. I noticed Lauren grip the table and shake her head, indicating she was still choking. I tried again and again, Lauren’s body lurching in her seat with each thrust.

Holly was beside me now and she leaned down to look at Lauren. “Try and cough!” She urged her. Holly looked at me and said “get her on her feet”. I nodded, “stand up!” I demanded as I dragged Lauren to her feet while Holly moved the chair out of the way. I repositioned myself for back blows and peered over Lauren’s shoulder. Her face and chest were flushed, and the panic was evident in her eyes. I struck her back between her shoulder blades again, watching, praying for the blockage to remove itself from her throat. Fuck I thought, trying to remain calm and focused.

I returned my focus to abdominal thrusts. Holly helped me straighten Lauren up and I reached my arms around her waist- easier this time as she was standing. I noticed Lauren growing heavy in my arms so I wiggled a foot between her feet, supporting her and bracing myself to deliver powerful thrusts. I continued the Heimlich maneuver as Holly called out to Lauren “come on, Lauren, cough! Cough!”.

I paused to quickly reposition my fists and sent another violent barrage of thrusts into Lauren’s abdomen. A retching noise suddenly escaped from Lauren’s throat and I heard a dull thud. “It’s out!” I heard Holly say, “it was a grape”. Lauren’s hands weakly find mine still around her waist. I notice they are shaking. “Lauren? Lauren are you okay?”, but there is no response from her.

I look to Holly who is equally concerned. “Lauren? Hey Lauren! Can you hear us?” She asks. Lauren’s body slips in my arms. “She’s passing out, get her to the ground!” Holly says. We work together and lay Lauren on her back and we kneel on either side of her. Holly grabbed her shoulders and shook her, saying “Lauren! Lauren, can you hear me?” Lauren doesn’t respond but a wheeze escapes her lips, gasping for air. I blink back tears as Holly wrenchs Lauren’s head back to open her airway and checks for breathing. I reach for Lauren’s hand and grasp it tightly, willing her to wake up.

“Her respirations are really shallow, she’s barely breathing…” Holly said, her brow furrowed with concentration. I glanced at Lauren’s chest but see no movement. Holly felt for a pulse at Lauren’s exposed neck, then pressed an ear to Lauren’s chest. “Her hearts beating quick but she struggling to move air properly…”. I watched as Holly straightened up and again opened Lauren’s airway, listening. Holly then pinched Lauren’s nose closed and leaned in to start rescue breathing. Her lips seal tight around Lauren’s lips and she exhaled a long, deep breath into our friend. Holly released the seal and air rushes out of Lauren’s lungs. Holly inhaled deeply and again delivered another breath into Lauren.

I watched as Holly calmly and efficiently continued mouth the mouth resuscitation for Lauren. Lauren’s breasts rose and fell rhythmically under her sweater. I felt for a pulse at her wrist; it was rapid and quick. “Stay with us Lauren!” I begged, tears now falling down my cheeks.

Holly exhaled another deep breath into Lauren’s lungs. Holly paused her rescue breathing momentarily and we both stared at Lauren whose mouth remained open and a grunt emanated from her throat. “Breathe Lauren, come on…” Holly encouraged her, rubbing Lauren’s chest vigorously.

“Is she coming around?” I asked. “Not yet” Holly shook her head. She returned her focus and delivered five more rescue breaths when Lauren let out a low groan. Holly paused again and I watched as she tapped Lauren’s checks. Holly placed a hand on Lauren’s chest and leaned in to check Lauren’s airway. “She’s breathing!” Holly exclaimed, and relief filled my body as Lauren groggily tried to open her eyes.

We both leaned in as I said, “Lauren, can you hear me?”. I watched with baited breath as Lauren’s eyes slowly focused on Holly’s face and nodded weakly. Holly pressed her fingers to Lauren’s pale neck and felt for her pulse. “I’m going to put you in the recovery position” Holly said as she gestured for me to help. We gently rolled Lauren onto her side and Holly leaned in close to Lauren, checking her breathing. She gingerly rubbed Lauren’s back and said “focus on breathing” in a gentle voice. Lauren didn’t reply but I saw her give a small nod. “You’re okay now, you’re going to be fine. We’ve got you”, Holly said as she looked up and met my gaze. Adrenaline pumped through my veins as I realized how serious Lauren’s choking had quickly become. I placed a hand on Lauren’s shoulder and looked up at the sky, grateful she was okay.