BOZEMAN, Mont. — Two Bozeman police officers sprang into action Aug. 7 when a man choking on a gumball ran to them for help at a gas station.

Around 2 a.m., Officer Helsby and Officer Armstrong were pumping gas at the Exxon near Walmart when the distressed man, gasping for air, approached them and yelled for help. Officer Helsby quickly identified that the man was choking and began performing the Heimlich maneuver.

Officer Mackinnon, arriving after hearing the call dispatched, assisted with additional attempts. After several efforts, the officers successfully dislodged a large gumball from the man’s windpipe. He declined medical attention and left the scene uninjured.

Police officials praised the officers’ quick response, noting their teamwork turned a potentially fatal emergency into a safe outcome.

Source: Bozeman Police Department