First responders have a reputation for being prepared to save lives at a moment's notice. Los Angeles rookie firefighter Cody Campbell proved this at his wedding on Sept. 10. Campbell was listening to his father, a retired fire captain, give a toast at the reception when he heard cries of distress from the back of the room. One of the wedding attendees had begun to choke on the food. Campbell told ABC News that he did not hesitate. He simply reverted to his training and rushed to the aid of the guest who was choking.
Campbell calmly performed the Heimlich maneuver while stunned guests looked on. After several repetitions, the piece of meat that was choking the victim was dislodged and the party resumed. Kelly Campbell, the first responder's new wife, was proud of her husband's quick reaction.
"Saving someone's life right in front of me on my wedding day … it's something we'll have forever," Kelly told KABC-TV.
Some guests believed the incident was an act meant as a joke because of Campbell's profession, but the newlyweds assured ABC News that it was no performance. Campbell's alertness and cool-headed approach really saved someone's life.