During a recent dinner at the New Horizon Assisted Living Facility in Marlborough, a potential emergency was swiftly handled by a quick-acting college student employee. Brian O'Leary, a 21-year-old Worcester State University senior, was recognized for performing the Heimlich maneuver on an elderly resident who was choking. According to a WHDH report, Phyllis Bagdasarian, 93, was enjoying her pot roast dinner when she began to choke. "He’s polite, he’s kind, and that day he was my hero," she told WHDH.
O'Leary, serving as the dining room supervisor, was trained to act swiftly in such circumstances. His prompt action was crucial in the situation, successfully dislodging the food from Bagdasarian's throat. "I noticed she was having some airway problems, so I just told her to lift her arms up," and "It was only a few pumps, fortunately, because here some people can be very fragile," O'Leary explained in a statement obtained by WHDH.
Furthermore, O'Leary's preparedness stems not only from his role at New Horizons but also from his background as an Eagle Scout. The importance of such training was highlighted by Tony Sosa, associate director at New Horizons, in an interview with the Community Advocate. "Brian has been through the training so many times that he knew exactly what to do," Sosa stated. The facility requires all dining room supervisors and senior staff to undergo choke-saving procedure training annually.
Following the incident, New Horizons' on-site nurse attended immediately to assess Bagdasarian's condition, ensuring no further medical care was necessary. Bagdasarian, who now views O'Leary in an exceptionally positive light, expressed her gratitude and relief. "My tablemates and I really like him now!" Bagdasarian told the Community Advocate. This holiday season, Phyllis Bagdasarian celebrates with a gratitude steeped deeply in the actions of a young man whose training and presence of mind gave her a new lease on life.
