A quick-thinking Salt Lake County sheriff's deputy may have saved the life of a choking man in a South Salt Lake restaurant Friday.

Department spokesman Lt. Paul Jaroscak said deputy Moses Fernandez was having lunch with fellow officers at the Chicken Express restaurant, 3440 S. State, at about 12:30 p.m. when he looked over and saw a 36-year-old male standing with his hands up to his own throat.

View Comments

When Fernandez asked the man if he was all right, he waved off assistance. Seconds later, the man waved for help, and Fernandez performed two quick under-the-diaphragm abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich maneuver) and the blockage was dislodged. The man declined medical assistance and left the restaurant a short time later.

Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.