kme-2020

[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.

[kme-2020]

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]

Prompts

Hello, I’m wondering if there are any requests or prompts for Heimlich Maneuver scenarios for stories? Certain settings, single or multi rescuer, occupations (ie nurse/EMT on scene) conscious or unconscious? Choking victim will ALWAYS survive. I am working on another story right now but open to ideas for future…

[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.

[kme-2020]

9 (Lauren’s Perspective, Victim)

(First of three parts, each with a different perspective in the same story. Each part to be released separately.)

I grinned as I sat down at the patio table. A beautiful fall day spent with friends, winding down with wine and snacks. Our partners were out golfing and we were back from our hike early. I sipped my wine and listened to Ava and Holly chatter away about Ava’s new job while I grabbed a handful of grapes. I was hungry and wanted something small before our BBQ tonight.

I leaned back in my chair and popped a grape into my mouth right before Ava made a joke about her new desk mate. I laughed and felt the grape slip to the back of my mouth. I sat up, surprised. I coughed weakly and tried to swallow, but couldn’t move the grape. I covered my mouth with my hands and closed my eyes, trying to swallow again. I felt my heart rate increasing and warmth growing in my face. The grape moved slightly as I inhaled sharply, but this was the wrong move. The grape slid entirely into my throat and settled into place. I couldn’t breathe in or out. I was choking.

My eyes flew open at this realization. I tried to cough but the grape wouldn’t budge. I couldn’t swallow either. I bowed my head and gripped the edge of the table, my knuckles turning white, unable to think straight as panic crept over me. My attempts to swallow and cough were futile. I closed my eyes again and leaned forward, clutching my throat in desperation. What do I do??!?! I thought. I heard Ava and Holly’s conversation pause. I was embarrassed and about to stand up to head to the bathroom when suddenly a sharp blow between my shoulder blades brought me back to the present.

“Lauren!” I heard Holly’s voice shriek. I opened my eyes and saw her standing across the table from me, willing me to cough. Another blow to my back- Ava must be trying to help me I thought. Suddenly Ava’s arms wrapped tightly around my waist. A quick and sudden thrust into my abdomen sent pain shooting through my chest. I doubled over, catching myself on the table, unable to control my body’s reaction. I still couldn’t breathe, so I shook my head “no” to communicate I was still choking. Ava thrust her hands into me again, rocking me with each painful thrust. I watched as Holly hurried around the table to my side as she called out to me, concern in her voice, “Lauren!”

Ava released my waist and grabbed under my armpits. “Stand up” she demanded. I stumbled as she pulled me out of my chair and my feet found the ground. Holly appeared in front of me, grabbing my shoulders and steadying me. Ava wrapped an arm around my chest, and pushed me forward, pounding my back with her free hand. I searched Holly’s face and we locked eyes. Her brown eyes were concerned., “Come on Lauren, cough!” She willed me, “cough!”

Ava then pulled me straight up and pressed my back into her as she again circled her arms around my waist. She found my bellybutton and placed her first firmly against my stomach, then squeezed sharply in and up under my rib cage. I knew it was more effective with me standing up. The pain was unbearable as the pressure in my chest grew, the blockage in my throat resisting the artificial coughs from Ava’s abdominal thrusts. I stamped my foot, frightened, desperate to draw a breath. I felt dizzy and weak, and was struggling to focus. I’m going to pass out I thought as I noticed Ava was supporting most of my weight.

Ava delivered another powerful Heimlich into me, my breasts jiggling from the force. Another thrust in and I felt the grape fly from my mouth, hitting the floor with a dull thud. Sluggishly, I reached for Ava’s hands, still around my waist and supporting me. I tried inhaling, but couldn’t draw a breath. It was like my brain and my body were disconnected. My heart was pounding, a ringing filling my ears.

My vision grew dark and faded as I felt myself being lowered to the ground. I still couldn’t breathe in, no matter how hard I tried, even though I knew the blockage was cleared from my throat. I heard Holly and Ava calling out but I couldn’t make out what they were saying. I wanted to tell them I couldn’t breathe. I felt funny, stuck between consciousness and unconsciousness, unable to move my body or take a single breath.

Someone gripped my shoulders tightly and shook me, then my head was tipped back and mouth opened. This helped but I still I couldn’t breathe well, producing a shallow inhale and grunting in the process. Suddenly, my cheeks puffed out as warmth filled my lungs and left just as quick as it came. I waited, and again my lungs inflated and deflated.

Everything felt distant and hazy, but I came aware of someone’s lips around my mouth, forcing their own breath into my body. “Lauren, stay with us!” I heard Ava call to me. I felt another breath fill my lungs. “Breathe Lauren, come on…” I heard Holly’s voice in my ear. I tried to focus on breathing, welcoming the air being provided to me with each respiration.

I heard a groan come from within me; I was coming around. The mouth-to-mouth stopped as I began breathing again. “She’s breathing” I heard Holly say. I tried to open my eyes and saw two foggy figures leaning over me. “Lauren, can you hear me?” Ava asked, her voice sounding distant. I focused on her face. I nodded.

Holly pressed two fingers to my neck, feeling my pulse. “I’m going to put you in the recovery position” Holly said, and I felt myself being rolled onto my side. “Focus on breathing” she said with a gentle voice, rubbing soothing circles on my back. I nodded weakly, feeling sick and lightheaded. “You’re okay now, you’re going to be fine. We’ve got you” she said…and I believed her.

[kme-2020]

8

I stood up quickly, panic setting in as I realized the painful lump in my throat was stuck. I tried to swallow; nothing. I attempt to cough but my eyes grew wide as I realized there was no air to move the candy. I attempted a self-Heimlich with no success. I ran to the kitchen counter and threw my abdomen against the edge, but the candy didn’t budge. I knew I needed help. I banged a fist on the counter, praying it would get your attention.

”Liz? What’s wrong”. I spin around at the sound of your voice and wrap my hands around my throat, desperate for you to understand I am choking. I try and cough but the candy still doesn’t budge. “Liz!” you cry out. You cross the room in a flash and spin me around to face away from you. Your arms are around my waist, finding the spot above my belly button. Your hands thrust in and up into my abdomen. The force shocks me and I collapse over your arms. We stumble but you steady us and thrust into me again. The candy doesn’t move. “Come on Liz!” you say as you perform another Heimlich, “breathe!” You thrust again “breathe Liz! Fuck!” I hear the panic I feel mimicked in your voice.

I feel dizzy and hot in the face. I lurch with each thrust, your arms tight around my waist and grasped hands firm in my abdomen. You continue the Heimlich as I sink to my knees. I’m desperate as I pound my chest, bracing myself for the impact of each painful thrust. I feel you kneel behind me and press your body against my back, struggling to find your rhythm now that we aren’t standing.

My head swims and my vision tunnels when suddenly a strangled “huff” escapes my lips after a particularly painful abdominal thrust. My hands fly to my throat and I feel you pause, arms still wrapped around my waist. Several sharp blow between my shoulder blades rocks me forward, but still no relief from choking. I shake my head and point weakly at my throat, begging you to keep trying. You understand and resume abdominal thrusts. Another strangled “huff” and I feel the blockage shift. I try and cough as you thrust, and with a final grunt, the blockage is cleared. I grunt and gag as you continue thrusting, so I grab your hands and continue coughing, struggling to breathe. “St…stop!” I force out between ragged gasps. I lean forward onto all fours, my brown hair hanging in my face, my sweater askew, chest heaving as I greedily drink in the air my lungs were starved of for too long.

You pat my back as I wheeze and gasp, desperate for air, my throat raw and painful. I feel a rush of relief and adrenaline shoot through my body. Panting, I lean back into you and close my eyes. Your arms circle sound my waist, but this time you embrace me rather than painfully forcing your fists into my diaphragm. My hands settle on my chest, feeling the rise and fall with each breathe, my heart pumping rapidly under my palms.

“Liz? Talk to me Liz” your voice is shaky in my ear. I turn my head and meet your frightened gaze. I nod my head. “I’m okay” I manage between gasps “I’m okay, I can breathe now…I’m okay…”

[kme-2020]

7

“Cara? Cara, are you okay?” I hear Nadine’s voice call out from down the hallway. My fingers pause, hovering over my keyboard. There’s a muffled crash and I hear Nadine cry out again “Cara! What…are you choking?”

I jump to my feet and hurry around my desk and down the hall to the office foyer. I find Nadine behind Cara’s secretary desk, helping Cara to her feet. Cara looks dishevelled; her face is red and her hands are wrapped around her throat, her striped blouse slightly untucked from her skirt, tendrils of hair falling in her face. Nadine looks terrified and when she sees me she yells “Julie, Cara’s choking!” Nadine wraps her arms around Cara’s curvy belly and begins the Heimlich Maneuver. Cara winces and shakes her head, hands still at her throat. Nadine attempts another abdominal thrust to no avail, and Cara frantically bangs her fist against her chest, willing whatever is blocking her airway to come out. I notice a half eaten granola bar on Cara’s desk.

A weak cough escapes from Cara and Nadine releases her. She holds up an hand, gesturing Nadine to give space and tries to swallow, her face is turning from red to purple. A wheeze escapes her lips and she attempts to cough. I cross the room and place my hand on Cara’s back. “Cough Cara, just try to cough”. A gasping sound and a week cough, yet Cara still struggles to inhale. “Can you breathe?” I ask. Cara shakes her head. I turn briefly to Nadine and say “call 911, now!” Nadine nods and hurries to another desk and reaches for the phone.

I return my attention to Cara. “Lean forward” I tell her as I position myself to deliver back slaps. Supporting her busty chest with my left hand, I rest my right hand between her shoulder blades, finding the correct spot. I raise my hand and slam it between Cara’s shoulder blades, the force rocking her forward. I strike her back again and again, her body lurching with each blow. I check and see Cara is still choking as she clutches her throat, fear in her brown eyes. I pull her upright and move behind her, straining my arms around her chubby waist and searching for her belly button. Cara grabs my hands and maneuvers them into place, her shaky hands mimicking the abdominal thrust she so desperately needed. I pull my hands into her soft belly again and again, willing the blockage to dislodge. Nadine reappears in front of us. She grabs Cara’s shoulders and says “we’ve got you Cara, EMS are on their way, cough it up Cara!”. Nadine makes eye contact with me and I see worry etched in her face. I continue the Heimlich Maneuver, thrusting in and up into Cara, straining to keep my arms around her waist. My hands slip and we stumble, Nadine steadying us. Desperate, I move my fists up to Cara’s chest and pull back with sharp thrusts. I reposition my fists under her large breasts and squeeze repeatedly. Suddenly she gags. I perform another thrust and hear her grunt from the force. Nadine leans in and searches Cara’s face, “Breathe Cara! Breathe!”

I lower my arms but keep my arms around Cara’s waist and my hands in position for the Heimlich. Another wheeze and Cara falls silent again, so I thrust my fists into her abdomen again and again, willing the blockage to move. Another gag and a ragged gasp and I feel her body relaxing in my arms, her belly expanding with laboured breathe she takes.

“Can you breathe” I ask, leaning to the side and eyeing Cara’s profile. Her hands cover her mouth as she coughs hoarsely. Cara takes a step forward and braces herself against her desk, still struggling to inhale but moving air. Nadine comes to her side and slaps her back several times. Suddenly Cara lets out a loud cough and gags, leaning forward and spitting out the blockage. She coughs as Nadine continues thunking her back. Cara’s face is bright red and she stumbles, still struggling to breathe normally.

I grab her office chair and Nadine helps lower Cara into a seated position. Cara is wheezing and gasping, her large chest heaving, a hand still at her chest. Her face is flushed, her striped blouse bunched up and her skirt awry. She is still wheezing and struggling to move air. “Breathe Cara, in and out, deep breathes” Nadine urges. I kneel down in front of Cara and place my hand on her shoulder. “Can you speak?” I ask. Cara nods but struggles to reply. “Yes, but there’s…still…something in my throat…” she manages between laboured wheezes.

“Open your mouth” I say, and Cara shakes her head, struggling to cough. Nadine again hits Cara’s back and I crouch in front of Cara and bury my fists above her belly button. I use my body weight and thrust forcefully into her, trying to assist her cough. Cara winces with each coordinated back slap and thrust, until suddenly she grunts and folds over, spitting out the remainder of the blockage. She wheezes and inhales sharply, leaning back in her chair and clutching the armrest as she breathes air freely into her lungs. “I’m okay, I can breathe” Cara manages to get out between gasps.

“Just focus on breathing” Nadine says as she gently rubs Cara’s back. I press my fingers against the side of Cara’s neck and check her pulse- it is very rapid, and her brow shines with sweat. I watch her chest rise and fall quickly, her breathing laboured. Cara’s hands shake as they clutch her chest. I hear a commotion at the door and turn to see EMS entering and relief floods my body.

I let them in and give a run down of Cara’s choking incident to one paramedic as their partner assess Cara. Nadine remains at Cara’s side, helping with answers as Cara’s voice is weak. I feel the adrenaline of the moment pass and I start to relax knowing Cara is going to be okay.

[kme-2020]

6

I walked into our living room, watching as you scribbled something on a piece of paper and folded it before placing it inside a bowl. I placed two glasses of red wine on the coffee table. I knew that this meant, and I felt my cheeks flush. I sat beside you and rubbed your back. “So, what’s the plan for tonight?” I asked. Your green eyes meet mine and you smirk, “to be determined, but it’s your turn to find out, pick two” you say, gesturing to the pieces of folded paper in the bowl. I select two pieces and unfold them. They read:

“one stethoscope” and “choking RP”

I loved resus play and you were a cardiophile- a perfect pairing. “What else was an option tonight?” I asked, curios. You unfold the remaining pieces one by one: “rescue breathing” “two stethoscopes” “vibrator” “CPR RP” “Ryan’s choice” “drowning RP” and “Claire’s choice”.

I smile and look at you. You take another sip of wine and smile back, a gentle laugh escaping your lips before saying “your turn to be the victim too, lucky lady”. My eyes lower to his chest and I place a hand over your heart, recalling last time when Ryan was the victim and I was the rescuer. I loved pumping his chest, the way the intensity of the compressions built, the feeling of elation when we both reached our max. “I really liked the two stethoscopes last time” I said. It has been a big turn on for Ryan to know he was listening to my heart while I listened to his. I found it quite sexy too, to hear his body react to my performance. Ryan smirked and replied “I’ll make sure you like the Heimlich maneuver tonight”. My face flushed- Ryan knew I was partial to abdominal thrusts.

I got to my feet and made my way to our bedroom. “Any requests…” I trailed off, raising my eyes brows. You bit your lip, considering. “No, I don’t think so…maybe something black?” I nod and slip into our room. I quickly put on a black satin slip. I take my blonde hair out of its bun and shake it out.

I hear Ryan approaching and I sit on the edge of the bed, ready. You enter, wearing only your boxers. You lean in for a kiss and I breathe in your scent- cologne mixed with red wine. We linger here and I feel tipsy from both the wine and the anticipation of what was coming next.

I pull away from Ryan and search his face, and he nods, ready. I take several deep breaths, purposely arching my chest in his direction before I wrap my hands around my throat and and let out a strangled cough. You stand up and appraise me. I cough again and clutch my chest, feigning an airway obstruction. I let out a wheeze and gesture to my throat, opening and closing my mouth silently. You place a hand on my chest and another on my shoulder. “Keep coughing” your low voice commands me. I nod and play along, gasping for air, my hands still at my throat. You pull me to my feet and position yourself beside me. You lean me forward and settle your hand in between my shoulder blades. A firm back blow rocks me forward and I stumble slightly, letting you support some of my weight. You strike my back again as I gagged.

You move behind me and run your hands down to my crotch but tease me by quickly repositioning your hands for the Heimlich maneuver. Your strong arms wrapped around my waist, holding me tight before thrusting them in and up into my abdomen. A real grunt escapes my lips and I let my head fall back onto your shoulder, lolling with each thrust. I feel warmth building between my legs and the start of a heady rush. Each thrust sends me closer to the edge. “Harder” I manage to gasp, and you follow my command. I am lifted slightly off the ground as you thrust into my abdomen again and I moan with pleasure. I close my eyes and enjoy the feeling as you continue to work on me, eventually doing the Heimlich maneuver with such force that if I were choking for real, it may have actually dislodged an airway obstruction. I let myself to limp after a particularly strong thrust and we fall into bed. I’m face down and you pause to grab my ass, temporarily distracted. You then pull me onto my my hands and knees, your hands circling around my waist once again. You resume abdominal thrusts, and I swoon. I love the feeling as your strong fists press deep into me. First slow and sensual, then building in frequency and intensity, my breath exhaling sharply with each thrust. I raise one hand and rest it on your fists circled around my waist. You pull me off of all fours into a kneeling position, my back flat against your stomach. I can feel your cock growing hard as you grind against my ass while delivering another abdominal thrust. I moan with pleasure as our bodies continue this dance-you’re grinding in synch with each abdominal thrust. I lean back into you, dropping my arms at my sides and gripping your thighs, enjoying the feeling as you compressed my diaphragm and forced air out of my lungs.

Slowly your focus shifts to grinding only and I lean forward onto all fours again. You grind so hard I am pushed onto my stomach and lie there, gasping for breath. I feel your breath at the back of my neck as you whisper “I need to check your airway”. I grin as you swing yourself off of me and roll me onto my back. We lock eyes, your hand cupping my face, strands of my blonde hair stuck to my flushed cheeks. You brush my hair aside and lean in for a kiss and I kiss back with equal force. Our lips part and you turn your head, my breath causing strands of your dark hair to move back and forth.

You grab my wrist in your hand, feeling my pulse throb against your fingertips. You kiss my wrist and move your hands to my neck, feeling my pulse there. “Hmm…” you mutter, leaning in to press your lips to my neck, kissing your way down to my collarbone. Your hands move down my body next, pausing at my breasts, then my hip bones, and finally at my femoral pulse point, feeling my pulse beat strong.

I grab the stethoscope from the bedside table and put the tips in my ears and press the bell to your chest. Your heart is racing too, and I know you’re hard. You place your hand over mine on your chest, your other hand again finding my wrist and feeling my pulse as you close your eyes. We enjoy this for a moment, and I sigh.

Your eyes open and you move the bell to my chest, and my heartbeat fills my ears. You watch for a moment as I listen to my own heart. “Here” I say as I remove the ear pieces and pass them to you. You slip them into your ears and I keep the bell pressed to my chest. I move it around my bare chest a few times, watching your face, never breaking eye contact. A mischievous look comes across your face and you straddle my hips, stethoscope still in your ears listening to my heart.

You begin thrusting and grinding in synch with my heartbeat, causing my heart rate to increase slightly. I gasp in pleasure, my back arching. The stethoscope slides from my chest but you grab it and press it firmly to my chest again. I run my hands up and down your strong arms as you interlock your hands and nestle them between my breasts and begin gentle chest compressions. A tiny “huff” escapes from me each time you compress my chest. I feel my belly rippling against your thighs with each compression. I unsuccessfully stifle a moan as you again grind in synch with my pulse while simultaneously compressing my chest.

We continue like this for some time before you dismount me and lay beside me in bed. We’re both breathless as we take turns listening to each others hearts. “Thanks for saving me, babe” I joke, pressing my body against yours. “Anytime Claire” you say, wrapping your arms around me, “and I can’t wait for next time” you whisper in my ear.

[kme-2020]

5

I walked down the dimly lit hallway, my footsteps quiet but quick. I glanced over my shoulder, not wanting to be caught, even though it was after hours at the clinic. I swept my eyes from right to left as I opened the door to one of the conference rooms and slid inside. I glanced at my phone and re-read your text “meet me in 15, usual spot”. That was 12 minutes ago. I had three minutes to get ready. I glanced out the window and watched as the last of my colleague’s cars drove away. I sighed and looked down at my navy blue scrubs. I removed my badge and set it down on the table, my portrait smiling back up at me with “Stephanie, RN” written underneath in block letters. I paced back and forth, waiting. I loved our secret meetings- a perk to working at the same clinic at your fiancé.

The door clicked behind me and I spun around as you slipped into the room, eyes darting up and down the hallway like mine did. I smiled to myself, admiring your dark hair and tall, muscular body. Our eyes met and you smiled. “Hey” I whispered as I walked over, stretching up on the tips of my toes. You leaned down to kiss my lips and circled your arms around my waist, pulling me close. “Hey babe”, your deep voice breaking the silence in the room. I leaned back and smiled, searching your face. “Is everyone gone?” I asked. “Just about” you replied. I nodded and moved my hands to gently squeeze your biceps visible under your maroon scrubs. My eyes landed on your stethoscope, still hanging around your neck. I kissed my lips to the stethoscope’s bell and said “are you going to need this?”. A coy look crossed your face. “Maybe…” you replied. You removed your badge and placed it beside mine, the words “Dr. Jacob Dundee, MD” written below your portrait. You gestured towards the conference table with a mischievous look in your eyes. I hopped up and leaned back on my elbows. I smirked at the irony of the situation. A nurse and a physician meeting at a CPR/First Aid course four years ago, which we had to attend regularly to retain our licenses. At the time we were both working in emergency medicine at the local hospital. We had been paired together as partners during that training- such basic training for medical professionals working in emergency medicine…we spent the day simulating and reviewing skills on each other. It had been impossible to not notice how hard his cock became as it was pressed into my back while he practiced the Heimlich Maneuver on me, and it was even more impossible to ignore the heady rush I got when he pulled his hands into my stomach, by back pressed against his front. That was four years ago. As we got to know each other through work we began dating, and discovered we both enjoyed resus play. Since then, we’ve enjoyed the occasional rendezvous-vous at work, the thrill of keeping those meetings secret.

Jacob walked foward slowly, appraising my body propped up on the table, a mischievous look in his eyes. He placed his one hand on my chest and the other on my shoulder, his eyes tracing my lips, over my chin and down to my chest. My breath caught in my throat at his touch and he smirked at this. “Oh Steph…take a deep breath for me…in and out, just like that, good...” I inhaled, your hand rising and falling with my chest. I closed my eyes as your hand moved to hold my left breast, squeezing it. I leaned my head back, enjoying your touch as your lips pressed to my collarbone. I sighed. “Deep breaths, Steph…come on, you know that” you taunted me. I opened my eyes and watched as your put your stethoscope in your ears, raising its bell to my chest. I gasped at the cold touch as you leaned forward, pressing the stethoscope firmly against the delicate skin of my chest. I felt my heartbeat quicken and knew you heard it too when you said, with satisfaction “I don’t know Steph, I’m having a hard time hearing your heart”. Your smouldering gaze met my eyes as your free hand crept its way down my stomach, untucking my top and slipping it into the waistband of my scrub pants. I inhaled deeply, the faint remnants of your morning cologne dancing in my nose.

“Ahh, that’s a bit better” you said as kept one hand in my pants, tracing your fingers along my panties, and the other hand moved the stethoscope around my chest. Your brow furrowed as you listened to my heart race, clearly enjoying the sensual power you had over my body at the moment. You slowly raised my arms above my head, removing your stethoscope from my chest momentarily. You lifted my scrub top to expose my abdomen and pressed your lips just above my navel. I gasped as your lips moved up my rib cage, pausing momentarily as you slipped my top off over my head, leaving me exposed with only my black bra on top. You leaned back over me, pressing your ear to my heaving chest. You glanced up at me and pushed a stray curl from my face. “Steph, your heart is beating so fast, you need to calm down” you whispered to me, knowing your words had the exact opposite effect on me. I took a deep breath as your stethoscope once again found my chest.

“Hmm…Steph, do you need CPR?” you asked me. Our eyes met and I nodded my head, unable to speak, my face flushed. You stood up and swung your leg up to meet me on the table, straddling my thighs. You placed both hands on my hips and slowly traced my rib cage, making your way up to my sternum. I breathed heavily in anticipation, a buzzing feeling filling my body. I swooned as you nestled your hands between my breasts and rocked your body into position, locking your elbows. You maintained eye contact as you gently compressed my chest, my lungs exhaling any breath left. You remained in this position and slowly released, my breastbone expanding. You did this again and raised your eyebrows. I nodded, letting you know it felt good, inviting you to compress deeper. I bit my lip and stifled a moan as your weight slowly pressed into my chest and released, synchronized with my breathing, over and over again.

We carried on like this, thrilled by the fact we had to be quick but wanting to savour the moment before going home after work. Your cock was hard; I could feel it grinding against my body through our pants. You paused to press your stethoscope once again to my chest, listening intently to my heart pounding. You grinned, pleased with what you heard. You reached for my stethoscope, putting the earpieces in my ears and pressing the bell into my chest. My heart was racing, pounding out a loud and steady beat as we listened together. I heard the blood rushing in my head as you returned to your chest compressions, once again synchronizing with my rapid breath. I closed my eyes and arched my back, trying unsuccessfully to hold back a moan. Your lips found mine as we kissed, my hands tangling in your hair.

Your hands moved from my chest to cradle my face as you pulled away. “I’m going to breathe for you” I nodded in agreement, ready. You sealed your lips over mine and exhaled, filling my lungs with your warm breath. Our lips parted and I felt the air rush out. Quickly, you sealed your lips over mine again and exhaled, my cheeks puffing out. You rocked back and returned to compressing my chest, this time with a stronger, steady pace- similar to CPR but not as intense. I felt my ribs cave and recoil under your weight, my abdomen bouncing against your thigh with each compression, my head gently bobbing side to side. I spread my arms out and gripped the edges of the conference table we are on. I felt warmth building between my legs, desperate and hungry. A heady rush engulfed me, delight and pleasure connecting our bodies with each chest compression and breathe you rewarded me with.

You stopped your compressions and once again made sure my stethoscope was in my ears and placed the bell on my chest, grabbing my hand to hold it in place so I could hear. My heartbeat filled my ears and I watched as you put your stethoscope in your ears and pressed the bell to my chest. We listened as my heart pounded and danced under our touch. Excited and satisfied, my body relaxed and I sighed a deep breath. We lay still for a few moments, savouring the sound of my heart as my breathing slowed.

You got off the table and pulled me into a sitting position, my legs dangling off the edge but not quite reaching the ground. I was still only wearing my navy blue scrub pants and black bra. You grinned at me as you stepped back and pulled off your maroon scrub top. “Okay, my turn” you said as I hopped down. “I need nurse Steph to check me over”. I smiled with anticipation as my eyes traced Jacob’s strong body, my eyes lingering on his chest. It was craving my touch.

I grabbed my stethoscope and pushed you onto your back and straddled your legs. “Nurse Stephanie is here” I said. “Try and breath normally, Jacob” I teased as I pressed my stethoscope’s bell to your chest “I’m going to listen to your heart, you look a little stressed…”

The perks of working with your fiancé.

[kme-2020]

4

I knew my airway was blocked right away. I couldn’t breath, and I couldn’t make any noise, no matter how hard I tried. Panic filled my body and I wrapped my hands around my neck and leaned forward, trying to cough, feeling heat rising through my body. No one noticed as I struggled, so I stood up quickly and stumbled as my chair fell over. I had come alone to this coffee shop, hoping to enjoy a pastry and cappuccino as I read my book. I looked around and made eye contact with a fellow patron, who looked confused. I tried to cough and pointed at my throat, begging them to understand that I was choking. I tried taking a sip of my drink, but the blockage didn’t move. Embarrassed at my helplessness, I banged the table with my hand and pounded a fist to my chest, producing a pathetic wheeze. Comprehension spread across the confused customer’s face and she stood up while yelling out for help. She ran to me and asked if I was choking, to which I nodded my head vigorously.

“Help! HELP! She’s choking!” the customer called out as she began patting my back…I could tell it wasn’t going to help. I shook my head and mimed the Heimlich Maneuver with my fists. “Someone help!” She called out again as she stepped behind me and positioned her arms around my waist and attempted an abominable thrust. I grabbed her hands and thrusted with her, willing her to use more force. I heard her curse under her breath and yell for help again. Dread filled me as I realized she didn’t know how to help me.

I could feel a heaviness settling into my body as I became weaker and weaker due to lack of oxygen. The painful blockage in my throat was not moving. The customer yelled out again and I saw from the corner of my eye someone run towards us and push her out of the way. Their strong arms made a ball with their fists against my abdomen and they thrusted in and up, a painful but welcome force. They did it again and again, and I heard their deep voice ordering for someone to call 911. They paused to repositioned their hands and another sharp thrust into my abdomen lifted my feet off the ground momentarily, my hands grabbing their wrists reflexively because of the pain.

The customer who had failed to rescue me was in front of me now, gripping my shoulders and urging me to cough and breathe, but it was no use. I stared into her eyes and moved my mouth wordlessly, trying to cough with each thrust forcing itself under my rib cage. I could feel my vision tunnelling as the force of the abdominal thrusts surged through my body. It was excruciating and I felt myself growing distant. My vision began to blur as I felt the stranger move to begin powerful strikes between my shoulder blades, still supporting my with his opposite arm supporting my chest. I began slipping and he grabbed me around my waist, and I felt more abdominal thrusts before feeling the world tilt. The feeling of cold tile against my check before being rolled onto my back was the last thing I recalled before sharp compressions began in my chest. I felt my shoulders move with each distinct chest compression, while someone else pried my mouth open and tilted my head back. Distant yelling filled my ears as the darkness took over…

…I came to, noticing a cold sensation moving around on my chest. I moaned inadvertently as my awareness returned. I tried opening my eyes and saw a blurry outline of a paramedic pressing their stethoscope against my chest. I felt a blood pressure cuff around my arm and an oxygen mask forcing air into my lungs…my lungs! I could breathe! I closed my eyes again and heard the paramedic call out to me, urging me to look at them. I felt so weak, feeling tenderness in my abdomen from the Heimlich Maneuver, aching in my chest and back from CPR and back blows. My throat burned with each breath too.

I opened my eyes, blinking against the bright overhead lights. “That’s it, look at me…” t paramedic grabbed my hand “give my hand a squeeze if you can hear me”. I have a feeble squeeze and nodded my head. “My name is Adam, I’m a paramedic. You choked on your croissant, a few people tried helping you and 911 was called. The blockage came out once you passed out and CPR was started. You were unresponsive but breathing irregularly, and responded to rescue breathing by some bystanders. We’re just reading some vitals now and we will be heading to the hospital soon. You have an oxygen mask on and I need you to let it help you right now, I know it’s uncomfortable. We’re going to do our best to help you”. I nodded and closed my eyes, focusing on breathing and the sensations as the paramedics worked on me.

“Keep your eyes open…what’s your name?”. A second paramedic appeared in my line of sight and asked me. “Simone…Simone Wright” I struggled to speak. “Alright Simone, my name is Jenna, Adam has just gone to grab the stretcher, we’re just about ready to go to the hospital” she said to me with kind eyes.

“Thank you”, I replied….”thank you so much”.

[kme-2020]

3

I heard a strange, muffled noise come from the living room. “Ashley?” I called out. It was unusual for you not to reply so I peeked out of our home office after hearing a second muffled thump. “Ashley?” I called out again.

I could hear more commotion so I hurried down the hall. I rounded the corner into the living room and found you hunched over on the couch. You looked up and pointed frantically to your throat, unable to speak, clearly choking. “Ashley!” I yelled out as I ran to your side and grabbed your shoulder, crouching down to your eye level. Your face was red and your eyes glassy. “Cough! Try and cough!” Your eyes met mine and you shook your head, gesturing frantically at your throat, mouth opening and closing silently. The panic in your eyes told me this was serious and that I had to act fast.

Without hesitation I kneeled on the couch beside you and snaked my arm across your chest to support you as I began back blows with my free hand. You lurched forward, gripping the coffee table for support as your body rocked forward with the force.

“Breathe Ashley! Get it out!” I muttered as I slammed my hand in between your shoulder blades. Finding no success with back blows, I repositioned myself and forced myself behind you on the couch. I reached my arms around your waist and searched to find your belly button- you were bigger than me and I strained to make a fist and hold it in my other hand. I attempted to perform the Heimlich maneuver but it was weak. I tried a few more times to no avail, so moved my arms up to circle your chest and delivered a sharp thrust. Nothing happened. I pulled in forcefully again and again with no relief. Frantic, I hit your back between your shoulder blades. You knew it wasn’t working either as you banged your fist against your chest.

“Stand up!!” I instructed. We stumbled to our feet and I steadied you in my arms, repositioning my body behind your larger frame. I again wrapped my arms around your waist, and this time had an easier time getting my hands in the right position. I pulled in and up into your abdomen, able to produce more force than my previous attempts at the Heimlich. My fist slippped out of my grasp and my fingers dug into your soft abdomen. Panicked, I pressed myself against your back and strained my arms reach around your curvy body. I felt your hands clasp mine as I delivered two more abdominal thrusts before moving my arms up to wrap around your chest. I used all my strength as I pulled my fist backwards to perform more chest thrusts.

I could feel you growing heavy so I lowered you to the ground and rolled you into your back. I pushed your dark blond curls away from your face and opened your mouth to check your airway; I could see the blockage. I rolled you towards me and reached my right arm over you to deliver shape blows between your shoulder blades. Your body rocked with the force but nothing changed. “Ashley” I screamed in your face as I shook you “Ashley breath…Fuck!!”

Desperate, I rolled you onto your back and straddled your hips, placing my fist above your navel and thrusting into your soft abdomen. I did this several times with no change, so swiftly repositioned myself for chest compressions. My hands pushed deep between your breasts, and I saw your belly bulge with each compression. I counted to thirty in my head and returned my focus to your airway. I could see the blockage had shifted and I was able to sweep the half chewed peach slice away from your mouth. “Ashley!!” I called to you as I shook your shoulders, “Ashley open your eyes!! Ashley!!”

Finding no response I leaned my ear to your mouth, listening and feeling for your breath that wasn’t there. I glanced at your chest and saw no movement. I dug my fingers into your neck and felt for a pulse at your neck. I could feel a weak and rapid pulse. I repositioned your airway and pinched your nose shut, sealing my lips over yours to blow air into your lungs. I was encouraged to see your airway allowed the breath to fill your lungs. I provided four more breaths and again felt for your pulse- still weak. “Ashley…” I pleaded with you. Panicked, I returned to your chest for another round of compressions. Tiny gasps and grunts escaped your lips each time I compressed your chest.

When I felt your pulse again it was stronger. I returned to rescue breathing but paused to observe for more signs of life and was relieved to see a steady rise and fall of your abdomen. I shoved my fingers into your neck and felt your pulse was still strong. I watched as you slowly came around, confused and tired eyes scanning the room and finding my face. Relief flooded my entire body and I reached for your hand. “You were choking, Ashley. Look at me, just focus on breathing, in and out…”