Brevard Deputies Spring into Action to Save Choking Woman’s Life at Outback Steakhouse in Merritt Island

81-year-old woman made full recovery

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Thursday evening Brevard County Sheriff’s Deputy Joseph Batch and BCSO Deputy Mark Rozecki responded to an emergency call at Outback Steakhouse in Merritt Island, where an 81-year-old woman was reportedly choking.

As soon as the Deputies arrived at the restaurant, they found the victim was turning purple, not breathing and had no pulse.

Deputy Batch immediately attempted the Heimlich maneuver in an attempt to dislodge what was obstructing her airway. However, he was unsuccessful in clearing the object.

Deputy Rozecki quickly began CPR, and after repeated rounds, Deputy Batch re-assessed the victim and could now see a piece of steak blocking her airway.

Using the finger sweep method, Deputy Batch cleared the airway as Deputy Rozecki continued CPR. The victim subsequently started to breathe on her own again, and CPR was halted as soon as Deputy Batch found a strong pulse.

The victim was then transferred to Cape Canaveral Hospital by Brevard County Fire Rescue, where she made a full recovery.

I could not be more proud of these amazing Deputies and their actions, and I ask that you please join me in thanking both Deputy Batch and Deputy Rozecki for their quick thinking and teamwork, which undoubtedly saved this woman’s life.

I tell people all the time that I am surrounded by an amazing team of men and women who knock it out of the park every day to keep our citizens safe, and this case is just another perfect example of how true that statement is.

– Sheriff Wayne Ivey

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