Mum's the hero

The experience has prompted Roxanna, whose mum and dad own Roxy’s in town, to encourage all cafes and restaurants to make sure their staff get Heimlich Manoeuvre training if they have not already.

 

Pamela Nicholson who witnessed the drama unfold at Piazza said in a Facebook post: "The staff in Piazza called an ambulance but by a stroke of luck Roxanna Macculloch, who is a nurse, came in just minutes before, performed the Heimlich manoeuvre multiple times, and remained extremely calm throughout. She managed to dislodge the piece of meat. Could have been a very different outcome had she not been there. Think I’ll take that first aid course I’ve been meaning to take."

 

Roxanna also got a shout out from Lyndsey Buchanan on social media who added: "Shout out to the amazing Roxanna MacCulloch for remaining super calm in a crisis in Piazza as she assisted a woman who was choking. Thanks to Roxanna, the woman was okay and no ambulance was needed. Absolute hero."

 

Roxanna, who works at Oban’s hospital, was tucking into a half-term treat with her son when it happened.

 

"I must have done it 10 times. I kept slapping her on the back. It wasn’t working," she told The Oban Times but all the effort at last dislodged the stubborn piece of food. "I slapped her on the back, and a big chunk of steak came flying out. I was on the phone to the ambulance at the same time. I said: ’It has come out! No need for an ambulance! She was so grateful. She was panicking. She said ’Thank you so much. My life flashed before my eyes!’" Roxanna told The Oban Times.

 

"It is scary. It is such a horrible thing, choking. The Heimlich Manoeuvre is something everyone should learn, if they can. You never know when it might be needed. I’ve been thinking that if there are any restaurants or cafes who don’t already have staff trained to do the Heimlich, they probably should.

 

"It’s so important that people get taught First Aid, my two children at Park Primary have been learning it. They came home practising CPR on heir pillows!" she said.

 

Roxanna, who worked as a health care assistant for six years before becoming a nurse at Oban hospital in November 2024, said her training had kicked in.  

 

"It has never happened at work," she said. "It is the first time I have ever used it. I was calm throughout it. But I was shaken afterwards - I think because my son was there. He was like: ’Is that what you do every day at work mum?’ He was in awe.

 

"I did not really think about it. I just thought this person needs help. Anybody would do that. I have a duty of care to anybody, wherever I am. I was just in the right place at the right time. I am just so glad she was okay."

 

Roxanna’s colleagues on Ward B at Oban’s Lorn and Islands Hospital have also been full of praise.

 

"It is nice everyone saying ’well done’."

 

Over a hundred people have praised Roxanna’s life-saving action - with some relating their own terrifying experiences of choking on food.

 

One woman commented: "The worst thing you can ever experience. This happened to my two year-old. Worst experience of my life. The lady’s a god. So glad she was there for you all."

 

Another Facebook follower said: "I once choked badly on a sweet. It’s the scariest and most helpless state you can be in. Well done to Roxanna."

 

A third added: "What a woman! I don’t know Roxanna, but you are a gift from God, an absolute godsend if ever there was one. I was once saved by a nurse who gave me the Heimlich manoeuver in hospital. It really is life and death. Your actions saved that woman’s life, she will never forget you."

 

A veteran emergency responder on-line said the manoeuvre worked the only time he needed to use it. "Excellent result, well done," he said. "In over 30 years of emergency response, I only used it once and it worked. Learn the manoeuvre: you might save a life."

 

A nurse agreed: "One of the best life saving manoeuvres I learnt as a nurse and had to put in practice. If you haven’t learned it, get on it, learn how to do it - it may save a life. Well done Roxanna."

 

Many others joined in the praise, urging people to sign up to first aid courses. "Roxanna you are an outstanding Staff Nurse: another life saved," said one. "Everyone should learn how to do the abdominal thrust."

 

Another added: "Well done Roxanna, but to be frank you are an amazing nurse, lovely person, and a credit to the town."