A shocking incident unfolded at a department store in Chongqing on September 7, when a woman accidentally inhaled a pearl from her bubble tea, causing her to choke and convulse. Fortunately, two quick-thinking women immediately performed the Heimlich maneuver, and with the help of several bystanders, the woman successfully expelled the obstruction and regained safety. The terrifying moment has since gone viral online, with many netizens expressing shock and caution about drinking bubble tea.
According to Chinese media, the woman turned purple and collapsed as the pearl blocked her airway. The two women in white were the first to notice her distress and applied the Heimlich maneuver. Two additional men joined in the rescue, and together they managed to dislodge the pearl, preventing a potential tragedy.
The incident has highlighted the importance of knowing the Heimlich maneuver. Many online commenters urged everyone to learn the life-saving technique, saying, “Bystanders were amazing,” “So timely,” and “This shows how crucial the Heimlich maneuver is—everyone should know it.” Others joked, “Bubble tea can be dangerous—I’m not drinking it anymore!”
How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver
- Mild obstruction: Do not interfere if the person can cough or breathe effectively.
- Severe obstruction: Signs include weak or no coughing, inability to speak, difficulty breathing, high-pitched wheezing, bluish skin, or collapse. In such cases, immediate intervention is needed.
Steps:
- Ask the person, “Are you choking?”
- Stand behind the person in a stable stance with one foot between their legs.
- Make a fist with one hand (thumb side facing the person) and place it slightly above the navel.
- Grasp the fist with the other hand and perform quick, forceful upward thrusts.
- For pregnant or obese individuals, position hands at the center of the chest (similar to CPR).
The incident serves as a reminder to stay alert while eating or drinking and underscores the life-saving potential of the Heimlich maneuver.
