Actress Elizabeth Banks recently had a frightening experience while on the set of her new movie, “Skincare.” During a lunch break in her trailer, the 50-year-old actress choked on a small green pea, which left her unable to make any noise and feeling terrified. Fortunately, a quick-thinking crew member came to her rescue and performed the Heimlich maneuver, a first aid technique that involves applying pressure to the abdomen to dislodge an object blocking the airways. Banks expressed her gratitude to the crew member, whom she referred to as her guardian angel, for saving her life.
Following the incident, Banks emphasized the importance of knowing how to perform the Heimlich maneuver and encouraged others to learn the technique. She dispelled common misconceptions about the method, such as the fear of causing harm by cracking a rib, stating that saving a life is the priority in such situations. Banks shared her own experience of how the Heimlich maneuver was instrumental in restoring her ability to breathe and preventing a potentially life-threatening situation.
Notable personalities like Vicki Gunvalson from “Real Housewives of Orange County” have also credited the Heimlich maneuver for saving their lives in choking emergencies. In a separate incident involving Mike Sorrentino from “Jersey Shore,” an anti-choking device called the @dechoker was used to rescue his 2-year-old son Romeo from a choking incident. This alternative method proved effective in providing immediate assistance and preventing a tragic outcome.
These incidents serve as reminders of the importance of being prepared for choking emergencies and having the necessary knowledge and tools to respond effectively. The swift actions taken by individuals like Banks, Gunvalson, and Sorrentino underscore the critical role of first aid techniques in saving lives and preventing serious injuries.