A Senator’s Quick Response: At a recent Senate luncheon, Senator Rand Paul from Kentucky promptly came to the rescue of his colleague, Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa, who was choking on her food. Demonstrating his medical expertise, Senator Paul successfully performed the Heimlich maneuver, potentially saving Senator Ernst’s life.
A Light-Hearted Comment on a Serious Incident: Following the incident, Senator Ernst humorously tied her choking to the metaphorical “woke policies” of the Democrats in a social media post, expressing her gratitude to Senator Paul for his timely intervention.
The Weekly Senate Luncheon: The event was part of a weekly tradition where senators enjoy dishes from the hosting member’s home state. This particular lunch, hosted by Senator Ernst, featured classic Iowa fare like beef sandwiches, creamed corn, coleslaw, and pork chops.
Praise for Senator Paul’s Actions: Senator Lindsey Graham, known for his occasional differences with Senator Paul, praised the Kentucky Senator’s quick actions. Senator Paul’s medical background as an ophthalmologist played a crucial role in the emergency response.
The Importance of Emergency Skills Highlighted: The incident sparked a conversation among the senators about the significance of knowing life-saving maneuvers like the Heimlich. Senator Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming emphasized the availability of Heimlich training, underlining its potential to save lives in unexpected situations.
Past Incidents and the Heimlich Maneuver: Senator Ernst’s choking episode wasn’t the first such incident among lawmakers. In 2018, Senator Joe Manchin performed the Heimlich on Senator Claire McCaskill, although he accidentally cracked her rib in the process. These occurrences underscore the unpredictability of emergencies and the value of being prepared.
A Reminder of Life-Saving Skills: The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of emergency response skills, not just for lawmakers but for everyone. Knowing how to perform the Heimlich maneuver can make a critical difference in life-threatening situations, as demonstrated by Senator Paul’s timely and effective action.