In an extraordinary display of quick thinking and courage, a Huntingdon man has been hailed as a hero after using a rag mop to save a choking victim's life in a dramatic street rescue.
Liam Glennon, 24, was working at his family's car valeting business on Wednesday afternoon when he heard desperate cries for help coming from the street. Rushing outside, he discovered a man in his 50s choking and turning blue while two women desperately tried to assist him.
The Moment of Crisis
"I could see he was in serious trouble - he was purple and couldn't breathe at all," Glennon recounted. "The women were trying to help but nothing was working. I knew we had seconds to act before he lost consciousness."
With traditional first aid methods failing and emergency services still minutes away, Glennon's eyes fell upon an unlikely lifesaver: a rag mop used for cleaning cars.
Improvised Rescue Technique
In a moment of pure instinct, Glennon grabbed the mop and carefully used the handle to apply pressure to the man's abdomen in a modified Heimlich manoeuvre. After several attempts, the blockage dislodged and the man could breathe again.
"I've never been so relieved in my life," Glennon said. "Seeing him take that first proper breath was incredible. The colour started returning to his face immediately."
Emergency Services Response
Paramedics from the East of England Ambulance Service arrived shortly after and took over care. They confirmed that Glennon's quick thinking had prevented a potential tragedy.
A spokesperson for the ambulance service commented: "While we wouldn't typically recommend using cleaning equipment in medical emergencies, in this case the gentleman's quick thinking and calmness under pressure undoubtedly saved a life."
Community Reaction
The rescued man, who wishes to remain anonymous, has since visited Glennon to thank him personally. "I owe Liam my life," he said emotionally. "I was seconds from passing out when he saved me."
Local residents have taken to social media to praise Glennon's heroism, with many calling for formal recognition of his life-saving actions.
Glennon remains modest about his actions, stating: "I just did what anyone would do. I'm just glad I was there and able to help."
