Man made several attempts to help his choking wife—but it was one act by nearby officer that saved her life
Some officials go above and beyond their call of duty to help people in need. A detective who was at the Newport Art Museum stepped in when he noticed that a woman was choking and no one had been able to help her. The man, Detective Patrick Walsh, was working on something at the museum on July 11 when he heard about the woman's case and proceeded to perform the Heimlich maneuver on the person, Patricia Sitcoske, per a Facebook post by the Newport, RI, Police Department.
Sitcoske was at the art museum with her husband when she started choking on something. Her husband tried to dislodge the object and help his wife, but had no luck even after multiple attempts. A bystander stepped in too and tried to help the choking woman, but couldn't help her either. But then Walsh was alerted about her condition as he was in the same vicinity. The man learned that she was experiencing a serious airway obstruction and rushed to her aid. "Detective Walsh sprang into action and began performing the Heimlich maneuver and dislodging the obstruction," the post explained. "According to Patricia’s husband, Detective Walsh performed the Heimlich maneuver 17 times before the object was dislodged."
Quite a few people attending the event called the department and praised Detective Walsh for his quick actions to save the woman's life. A few days later, Sitcoske went to the Newport police station to thank Walsh personally for saving her life. "Patricia said that she felt she was on the verge of blacking out and was going to die." The grateful woman greeted the detective with a big box of assorted cookies and a hug. To recognize and honor the detective's actions, Sitcoske also donated $500 to Potter League for Animals in Middletown. The department recognized the officer through the post. Many people appreciated the man's quick actions in the comments section of the post, including the charity Sitcoske donated to.
Potter League for Animals wrote, "Wow! We’re incredibly moved by this and so grateful to Detective Walsh for his heroic actions — and to Patricia for her remarkable generosity. On behalf of everyone at the Potter League (two and four-legged alike), thank you for turning such a powerful moment into an act of compassion for animals in need." Brenda Ratcliff commented, "Detective Walsh is truly a hero! Wonderful to see Patrick was thanked and recognized for his lifesaving efforts by Ms.Sitcoske." Ellen Kelly remarked, "Amazing, Officer Pat! You were so good to work with that evening! Thank you for being our hero!"
Thomas Finn Sr expressed, "An awesome feel-good moment about Officer Patrick Walsh and Ms Patricia Sitcoske… by the way, great looking cookies!" Michelle Ring shared, "Thank you for being in the right place. Without you, the outcome would have been different. Amazing job!" Bob Corolla pointed out, "Detective Walsh is a great Police Officer and an example of exceptional service to the good citizens of Newport." Terry Hutson went on, "Right person, right place, right time. Thank you, Detective Walsh!" Bruce McIntyre said, "What a nice story that ended well. Thank you, Detective Walsh."