Merrimack Valley
Methuen officer saves choking woman
By Jim Patten jpatten@eagletribune.com
METHUEN — Officer Thomas Torrisi found an 82-year-old choking victim turning purple when he arrived at her Jackson Street home shortly after 6 p.m. Monday.
The 911 call came in for a woman choking on a piece of steak and Torrisi was the first to arrive, Field Services Bureau Commander Capt. Randy Haggar said yesterday.
“Officer Torrisi did the Heimlich Maneuver multiple times, but when the Fire Department arrived moments later the steak was still lodged in her throat,” Haggar said.
But through Torrisi’s efforts, the steak had been partially dislodged, allowing the woman to get some air, Haggar said.
“The Fire Department took over and brought her to the Holy Family Hospital Emergency Room,” Haggar said.
“We are very proud of Officer Torrisi,” Haggar said. “The situation proves police officers, as first responders, responding to all medical calls in the city, can be very beneficial.”
He praised the Fire Department’s role in the incident and said police respond to all medical calls, ‘partnering with the Fire Department.”
The choking victim’s condition was not immediately known.