Good Deed: Waiter at Chattanooga Red Lobster saves woman’s life

Red Lobster

Last month, I was at Red Lobster next to Northgate Mall. As I swallowed a vitamin, it became lodged in my airway, and I could not speak or breathe.

I immediately left my table and touched the shoulder of a waiter. That waiter, Sawyer Garrett, recognized my distress. He saw I could not breathe and immediately started the Heimlich maneuver on me. It took several attempts before he was able to dislodge the pill.

I have never had a more precious or thankful moment in my life. While still at the restaurant, I called my physician’s office to see if any medical attention was needed. When I described what happened, he told me that my airway was completely blocked and I could have died.

My heartfelt gratitude forever to Sawyer, Johanna Rogers, restaurant manager, and all my friends at Red Lobster.

Cindy Ruff