In a bar in Cartagena, a 49-year-old man choked on a piece of octopus. Police and emergency services were alerted and began coordinating a response with people nearby who witnessed the incident. Local authorities reported that the event occurred in the afternoon, when the man had a drink and suddenly found himself unable to clear the choking object on his own. He began to show signs of distress and collapsed before help could intervene effectively.
Witnesses promptly notified emergency services. The person appeared unconscious and not breathing, and those present were advised over the phone to begin resuscitation maneuvers as soon as possible. Two ambulances arrived at the scene and attended to the man, but they were unable to revive him. Responding officers from the Cartagena Local Police and the Civil Guard also arrived at the facility to assist and secure the area.
What to do in case of choking
Choking incidents are not rare. In the summer of 2021, a man in Nuevo Mulberry, Murcia, died after choking on a piece of octopus. These tragedies affect many people each year, but many lives could be saved with simple, immediate actions such as the Heimlich maneuver or equivalent choking relief techniques.
Choking occurs when a foreign object becomes lodged in the airway, blocking air from entering the lungs. This can lead to a life-threatening situation, including cardiorespiratory arrest if oxygen intake is blocked for too long. There have been other reported choking cases in public settings, reminding people that rapid response matters and that basic first aid can make a difference.
If the person can speak or cough, they may have only a partial obstruction. Encouraging the person to cough forcefully can help dislodge the object. However, if breathing becomes impossible, or the person cannot speak, cry out, or cough, it is essential to act quickly and call emergency services immediately and begin the Heimlich maneuver if trained to do so.
If the person is conscious and coughing, support them as they try to clear the airway. Do not strike or hit the back of the individual too aggressively; instead, observe and encourage productive coughing if the airway is only partially blocked. If back blows are used, perform them in a controlled manner with the person leaning slightly forward to avoid causing further harm.
If the obstruction is severe and cannot be relieved, the Heimlich maneuver involves wrapping the arms around the person from behind, making a fist with one hand, placing the other hand over the first, and delivering quick, upward thrusts just above the navel. The goal is to create enough pressure to expel the object from the airway.
If the person loses consciousness as a result of the obstruction, carefully lower them to the ground, open the airway, and begin chest compressions in addition to rescue breaths if trained to do so. Time is critical, and every second counts when airway blockage occurs.
Knowing how to respond to choking can save lives in restaurants, bars, homes, and public spaces. It is important for bystanders to stay calm, assess the situation, and apply appropriate first aid measures while awaiting professional help. Training courses in first aid and choking relief are widely available and can provide practical, hands-on experience that increases confidence and effectiveness in real emergencies.