Good Morning Britain presenters Susanna Reid and Ed Balls were left concerned after their co-star Dr Hilary Jones shared his experience of saving himself from choking. The doctor demonstrated the Heimlich manoeuvre on Ed after discussing a 'terrifying' incident involving Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas.
Dr Hilary revealed that he once choked on a piece of quiche at a dinner party. He said: 'Nobody knew why I was doing this [demonstrates with his hands around his throat], and I was the medic, so I stood up and threw myself backwards against the wall. Which was the equivalent of a back thrust, it worked, I'm still here!'
The discussion came after Shirley Ballas revealed on Instagram that she choked on a fish bone backstage before Saturday's live show in Blackpool. She said her hairstylist Jane performed the Heimlich manoeuvre and got the bone out. 'But for 20 minutes there, it was lodged and I couldn't breathe, so it was terrifying,' she added.
Dr Hilary explained that choking usually involves something more solid than a fish bone, as air can pass by a fish bone. He advised that if someone is choking, they cannot breathe, cough, or speak. Shirley vowed to learn the Heimlich manoeuvre herself, saying: 'I'm going to study now in case I ever come across anybody who needs my help.'
