Councilman Comes to Aid of Choking Victim

An elderly woman choking on food at the Valley Regency in Clifton late last month was right back on her feet and dancing in no time thanks to the quick actions of longtime Cedar Grove Councilman Joseph Chiusolo.

The incident happened at the Cedar Grove Ambulance & Rescue Squad's annual installation dinner on Jan. 26. Chiusolo was seated at a table with several residents, Deputy Mayor John Zunic and Township Manager Thomas Tucci when a woman named Ann a few seats away from them began motioning with her hands that she was choking.

"It was sort of in slow motion, but yet it was quick. She didn't really panic...she seemed a little stunned. She kind of just gave her friend the choking signal and her friend stood up and said 'she's choking, she's choking', that's when Joe stepped over," Zunic said in an interview.

In a flash, Chiusolo lifted Ann from her chair, wrapped his arms around her and performed the Heimlich several times, successfully dislodging the piece of food while taking care not to injure her.

"I was concerned that with the amount of pressure needed in order to dislodge something like food you might break a rib, that's why I did it repeatedly as opposed to one big smack," Chiusolo said.

Seconds later, police officers attending the dinner came to their table to ensure her safety as she shook off what had just happened.

"She sat there for a few minutes completely composed, we gave her some water, and a little while later she was up dancing and having a good time," Chiusolo said.

"When we left for the night she made a point of coming over and saying how grateful she was."

Chiusolo is no stranger to emergencies. As a former EMT in Jersey City, where he worked for more than six years, he has seen his share. Including stabbings, shootings, drug overdoses and even delivering babies. He said although he hadn't performed the Heimlich in nearly a decade, when the need arose, the technique came right back to him.

"Once you're part of that environment you don't lose it. It's like being a police officer or a firefighter -- once you're trained you never forget."