Flight attendant performs Heimlich maneuver during severe turbulence

Flight attendant Marcus Thompson turned into an unexpected hero when he pulled off the Heimlich maneuver on a choking passenger amid violent turbulence high above the Rocky Mountains.

Passenger Robert Davidson started choking on a piece of steak during meal service just as the plane hit a sudden bout of severe clear-air turbulence. With the seatbelt sign on and the captain instructing all crew to sit down, Thompson had to make a split-second, life-or-death choice. Ignoring the chaos as the aircraft pitched and dropped, he unbuckled his belt and made his way down the wildly rocking aisle to reach Davidson.

As the plane rocked violently, Thompson steadied himself against the seats and moved behind the choking passenger. He delivered several abdominal thrusts until Davidson coughed up the blockage. A sudden drop sent them both tumbling to the floor, but Davidson was breathing again. Thompson quickly helped him back into his seat just as the turbulence began to ease.

After landing, Davidson was checked by medical staff and made a full recovery. The airline honored Thompson with their highest award for extraordinary heroism, praising his courage in risking his own safety to save a passenger’s life.