I just wanted to write a short note of appreciation to two of my co-workers in the Cardiovascular Unit Swann 5 building. It only takes seconds to save someone's life and with two great nurses on this floor, I feel I've been given a second chance.

The first day of January 2014 was a day like any other on this floor, even though it was a holiday: admissions, discharges, doctors, etc. Around 15:00, I took my lunch. I remember I was in a hurry because I was going to receive a patient from the ED and also discharge a patient at the same time. While eating, a piece of meat got stuck in my throat. I thought I was going to be able to swallow it with some water but it only made it worse. Soon I noticed I could not breathe and I took off running down one of the hallways of the floor.

There I saw Amy (Buckley) Hare, RN, ran towards her, and put my hand around my neck to let her know I was choking. She quickly turned me around and gave me two abdominal thrusts, and a big piece of meat flew out of my mouth.

Unfortunately, not all the meat came out. Luckily, Stephen Moss, RN, was also on the floor and came to help. It took two more abdominal thrusts to be completely clear and able to breathe again.

Nurses Amy and Stephen should be recognized not only for their best nursing care towards our patients, but also for their quick actions and care towards their co-workers like me. I will always be very grateful that I work with such awesome nurses!