Medical Assistants Used Heimlich Maneuver to Save Coworker's Life

Attached is a picture of awarded employees: Monica Li and Geri Porcoro (center), by Dr. Maryellen Brucato (left) and Dr. Daniel Margolin (right).

Two employees were awarded for life saving efforts at New Jersey Foot and Ankle Center in Oradell.  Employees were enjoying their lunch when one of the receptionists started to choke.

The receptionist pointed at her throat and approached the medical assistant standing next to her.  Monica Li, a trained medical assistant, realized her coworker could not breathe and started to perform the Heimlich maneuver.  After a few seconds, Geri Porcoro, another trained medical assistant, got behind the victim and started to conduct abdominal thrusts until the piece of pork lodged in her throat came out.

After the incident, Porcoro was dismayed by her realization.  Luckily for their receptionist she had the incident in the right place with highly trained medical professionals, but what about her three children?

“I thought about my kids,” said Porcoro.  “I hope everyone in schools are CPR certified.  There were six people in the room and only two of us knew how to do CPR.  I encourage everyone to take a CPR course.”

Dr. Dan Margolin, owner and podiatrist at New Jersey Foot and Ankle Centers, is also on staff at Valley Hospital.  He recommends the Family & Friends CPR course given at Valley Hospital.  This course is designed for the families and members of the general community who want to learn the skills, but do not require a completion card.  Topics include CPR and relief of choking for adults, children and infants.  The course is presented in a practice while watching format.  The length of the course is three hours and it costs $40.  For more information, please call 201-291-6100.

New Jersey Foot and Ankle Center is located at 550 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell, NJ 07649. As a premiere podiatry practice in Bergen County, Dr. Dan Margolin and his staff have treated over 25,000 patients coming from places as close as Paramus, Ridgewood, Emmerson, Hackensack, River Edge, New Milford, Teaneck, Hillsdale, Westwood, or as far as New York City and South Jersey.  Give us a call at 201-261-9445 if you have any questions or visit us online at www.heelpain911.com and www.njfootpain.com.