On January 10, 2002, Elizabeth Broadhurst aged 17 and her mother called Betty, 44, were feeding their dogs. Being hungry themselves, they decided to eat strawberry licorice sticks Accidentally Betty swallowed a piece of candy. The candy got stuck in Betty’s throat and she started chocking.

Fortunately, Elizabeth had been trained in handling emergency situations. She had completed the American Red Cross Courses in first aid. The life saver in her got into action. She asked her mother to spread her arms and told her that she was trying to remove the piece of candy. Elizabeth gave Betty several abdominal thrust. Finally the candy popped out and Betty’s life was saved.

After this Elizabeth gave her water and checked her mother’s blood pressure. She then called in a physician. For this act of presence of mind and bravery she was awarded the American Red Cross Certificate of Merit