By Dana Abner, emergency tech

I would love to recognize Amanda-Lynn Marshall, M.D. If she wasn't nearby during one of my recent shifts this past summer, I would've died.

I work at Corewell Health Beaumont Gross Pointe Hospital Care Center – Lenox Twp. I work in an emergency room, taking care of others, and my shift is usually until 3 a.m.

One night, as my shift was ending, I went to our staff break room to get my things packed up and change my shoes. I decided I would warm a fried mozzarella stick I had left over from my dinner and eat it, anticipating I would just toss the rest as I left.

I took one bite, and the next thing I knew that bite was down my throat in the worst way possible, stringy and partially melted.

I attempted to cough it up. I proceeded to use the tips of my fingers to try pulling the part I felt coming up, but as I pulled it detached from the other half.

And then I realized, I couldn’t cough ... or breathe.

I began to panic. No one was in the break room with me.

I walked out of the break room toward the nursing command center, hoping and praying someone was in that area, as there are fewer team members around during nightshift.

I walked out and saw the doctor that was on staff, Amanda-Lynn.

I walked over to her and without even needing to grab my throat — indicating what was wrong — she looked at me, and the horror on my face, and realized I couldn’t breathe.

She then began doing the Heimlich, attempting to dislodge the chunk of cheese that was blocking off my air.

I began to think, “Oh my goodness I’m gonna be the next patient in that same resus Bay that I help save lives in.”

Eight abdominal thrusts later, the cheese stick was dislodged and I started coughing. Tears began to run down my face. I turned to her and hugged Dr. Marshall with any force I had left, thanking her from my heart for literally saving me.

I am so grateful for the people I work with. Thank you, Amanda-Lynn, for responding so quickly. You were where you were at the time I needed you most.

Moral of the story …

Learn the Heimlich, get CPR certified, you never know when you might have to use it or whose life you might save.