For Immediate Release

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Methuen Police Officers Save Life of Elderly Man Choking on Food

METHUEN — Chief Joseph Solomon is commending three Methuen Police officers, whose quick actions likely saved the life of an elderly man who was choking on food, Tuesday, June 5.

At approximately noon Tuesday, Methuen Police received a 911 call reporting that an 83-year-old man was choking on pancakes inside his home on Linton Avenue. The victim’s family members called the police.

Methuen Police Officer Michael Robidoux and Officer Matthew St. Jean responded to the house, where they found the man sitting in a chair in the kitchen. The man was hunched over and unresponsive at the time.

Officer St. Jean proceeded to administer the Heimlich maneuver on the victim while Officer Robidoux prepped a bag valve mask. Officer Michael Havey Jr. also responded to the scene during this time to assist.

While being administered the Heimlich maneuver, the victim spat out food particles and began breathing on his own.

The officers then assisted the man to rest on the kitchen floor where he became more responsive, opening his eyes and gasping for air.

A short time later, members of the Methuen Fire Department and Lawrence General Hospital Advanced Life Support unit arrived at the home. The man was subsequently transported by a Methuen Fire ambulance to Lawrence General Hospital. He was later released.

“The quick and decisive actions by these officers likely saved this man’s life,” Chief Solomon said. “The officers fell back on their training and were able to restore breathing in a situation where every second counts. I am incredibly proud of them and grateful that this citizen is able to return to his family.”

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