A Newport police detective saved a woman’s life by performing the Heimlich maneuver 17 times after she suffered a severe airway obstruction at the Newport Art Museum, according to police.
Detective Patrick Walsh was working a detail at the museum July 11 when he was alerted that Patricia Sitcoske was choking. Attempts by Sitcoske’s husband and another bystander to clear the obstruction had failed.
Walsh immediately began performing the Heimlich maneuver and successfully dislodged the object after 17 attempts, police said. Numerous event attendees called the Newport Police Department to praise Walsh’s actions.
Sitcoske visited the police station Monday to thank Walsh personally for saving her life. She told police she felt she was on the verge of blacking out and believed she was going to die.
In recognition of Walsh’s actions, Sitcoske donated $500 to Potter League for Animals in Middletown.
The Newport Police Department announced the officer recognition in a Facebook post Tuesday.
