Deli Worker Choking On Potato Chip Rescued By County Deputy

SALEM, OR — A Marion County deputy who just so happened to be on his way to DeDe's Deli in Salem entered the establishment just in time to rescue a choking woman.

Angelica Sandoval, an employee at the deli located at 132 Lancaster Drive SE, was eating in the deli's office when a potato chip became lodged in her throat just before 7 p.m. Dec. 21, according to Marion County Sheriff's spokesman Lt. Chris Baldridge.

Struggling to breathe, Sandoval first tried to drink some water before her co-worker, Cassie Sarff, saw her choking and came to her aid.

Sarff performed the Heimlich maneuver several times unsuccessfully before attempting to sweep the chip clear using her finger. Roughly one minute passed as Sandoval continued to choke.

At the deli, hoping to obtain video surveillance of a hit and run incident that occurred in the parking lot, Marion County Deputy Gregg Ramseyer saw Sarff trying to clear Sandoval's airway and quickly intervened.

Radioing for paramedics first, Ramseyer then began the Heimlich himself, making four solid attempts before freeing the chip from Sandoval's throat. She'd been choking for nearly half a minute before she could breathe freely again.

Incidentally, the entire ordeal was also caught on surveillance inside the deli.

"Each day I am amazed with our deputy sheriff's dedication to the safety of our visitors and residents," Commander Eric Hlad said. "We could not be more proud of Deputy Ramseyer and his ability to recognize an emergency and take life saving action."

Image via Marion County Sheriff's Office