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An 11-year-old girl in China has been hailed a hero after she saved a woman from choking on bubble tea by performing the Heimlich manoeuvre — just days after learning it
According to Ningbo Network, the incident took place on 8 August at a hot pot restaurant in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, and was captured on CCTV before going viral on social media.
The woman, identified only as Wu, accidentally inhaled milk tea while eating and began choking at the table. She stood up, gesturing frantically to her partner and restaurant staff that she could not breathe.
Her partner tried patting her back and restaurant staff rushed to her side to help, but no one knew what to do.
At that moment, 11-year-old Hu Zihan, who was dining at a nearby table, rushed over
She quickly positioned herself behind Wu, wrapped her arms around her waist, and performed the Heimlich manoeuvre.
Witnesses said, within 30 seconds, they saw several tapioca pearls expelled from Wu's mouth, allowing her to breathe again.
CCTV footage shows Wu immediately turning around in relief to hug Hu tightly in gratitude.
Speaking later, Wu said she kept signalling for first aid but realised no one understood her gestures
Luckily, that little girl knew immediately what was happening.
It was later revealed that Hu is a volunteer with the Liaoning Provincial Red Cross Society.
She had just learnt the technique for clearing airway obstructions — commonly known as the Heimlich manoeuvre — during a training session on 1 August.
"The Red Cross says 'everyone should learn first aid, because first aid is for everyone'. In critical moments, knowing first aid can truly save lives," Hu told CCTV News.
Hu's mother, who witnessed the rescue, said she was deeply proud of her daughter's courage
"She told me, 'Mum, I can save her', and immediately stood up.
"At first, no one dared let her take over, but she walked straight to the woman and saved her life in just 30 seconds. I told her she's amazing," Hu's mother told news portals.
