Dolores Poirier and Dirk Maritz meet for the first time since Maritz helped dislodge food that was choking Poirier at a Nanaimo restaurant in November. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

LIFE SAVER

‘I took her into my arm and gave her a couple of whacks:’ paramedics recognize man’s life-saving heroics

Feb 5, 2020 | 8:03 PM

NANAIMO — The life-saving actions of a man enjoying dinner at a local restaurant have been recognized by BC Emergency Health Services.

Dirk Maritz helped dislodge food that was choking Dolores Poirer as the two dined at separate tables at Beefeaters Chop House & Grill in November.

In recognition of his efforts, Nanaimo paramedics presented Maritz with the Good Samaritan Award at a presentation on Wednesday, Feb. 5.

Poirier told NanaimoNewsNOW she started choking when a bite of her meal was unexpectedly swallowed as she took a sip of wine.

“My daughter in law was with me, she tried the Heimlich manoeuvre but she couldn’t,” Poirier said. “She was probably afraid of hurting me so she asked for help after trying a few times and it not working.”

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Maritz was alerted by a server at the restaurant who asked for help.

“Quite frankly I didn’t know any first aid, but I’ve raised a few kids so I ran over and tried to help her from the back with the Heimlich,” Maritz said. “That didn’t work so I took her into my arm and gave her a couple of whacks.”

Maritz’s actions helped dislodge the food and save Poirier’s life.

Stuart Myers, an advanced care paramedic who was dispatched to the scene said he was happy to see Poirier seated at her table when he arrived and learn of Maritz’s actions.

“I was able to follow up with him, he was incredibly humble and I don’t think he understood the magnitude of what he’d just accomplished,” Myers said.

Poirier and Maritz met for the first time after the incident at the award presentation.

Poirier said she sent Maritz a note the day after, thanking him for his actions, but was happy to see him in person.

“I think of it often, every time I’m eating. I’m very thankful that I’m here and I can go on with my life,” Poirier said.

alex.rawnsley@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley