Choking drama Quick-thinking dad saves diner’s life
AMAN who went to the pub with friends ended up saving the life of a stranger after he choked on his food.
Daniel Sketchley was enjoying a Friday night out with friends at The Super Mare in Weston-super-Mare on November 19 when he noticed a man sat behind him choking on his meal.
Daniel, a 43 year-old transport manager, immediately got up and dashed over to help the man.
“I was in the pub with friends when I noticed the man sat on the table behind me was starting to struggle and was choking,” said Daniel, a dadof-one. “His wife was stood by his side trying to help him and dislodge the food in his throat but it wasn’t working. I got up behind him and banged him on the back a few times before doing the Heimlich manoeuvre.
“Thankfully after about three or four attempts, the food that was stuck, which I understood to be a piece of gammon, dislodged.”
The diner – now known to be Pete Maynard, who was dining with wife Sarah – was then checked over by pub staff.
He has since made a full recovery. Daniel first learnt about the Heimlich manoeuvre after choking himself as a child.
“I can remember when I was about 10 or 11 years old sitting down with my parents when I started to choke on a bit of bacon fat,” said Daniel. “My dad immediately started to do the manoeuvre and it quickly dislodged it. It’s something which I’ve never forgotten”.
Daniel, who has also undertaken a number of first aid courses over the years, added: “I’ve never had to administer any sort of first aid before. I think everyone should do a course at least once in their life as there are things you learn that just stick with you.”
Daniel has now been awarded the Spotlight Community Award for his actions by deputy Weston-super-Mare mayor, Peter McAleer.
“I didn’t think about it when it happened,” said Daniel. “I’m no hero, I just got up and did what I could to help. I’ve had so many lovely comments from Pete, his family and his friends. I’m still in shock about it all really.
“I didn’t think, I just acted and I’m very glad he’s ok.”
In a message to Daniel he said: “Many thanks for stepping in like you did. I am also a trained first aider and I’ve helped people in the past.
“Thanks to my wife’s and your quick actions it was a happy ending. Your next meal will be paid for by me as a thank you to you.”