Elizabeth Banks narrowly avoided choking to death on the set of her new film, Skincare, thanks to a crew member who performed the Heimlich maneuver. This incident highlights the critical importance of knowing first aid. Banks now advocates for everyone to learn these life-saving skills. Read more about her harrowing experience and the importance of first aid training.
Elizabeth Banks, the versatile actress known for her roles in Pitch Perfect and The Hunger Games, recently recounted a terrifying near-death experience that underscored the importance of first aid knowledge. During a break on the set of her upcoming film Skincare, Banks found herself in a life-threatening situation.
While having lunch alone in her trailer, Banks began to choke on a small green pea. The severity of the incident left her unable to call for help. “I threw the door open – couldn’t make any noise, was so afraid. It was terrifying,” she shared on Good Morning America.
As fate would have it, a quick-thinking crew member named Julius noticed her distress. Sensing something was wrong, he asked if she was choking, and when Banks nodded, he calmly performed the Heimlich maneuver, also known as abdominal thrusts. “He had to do it twice. His name is Julius. He is my guardian angel. Julius, I love you,” Banks stated emotionally.
The Heimlich maneuver, a first aid technique used to treat upper airway obstructions (or choking) by applying pressure to the abdomen, was successful in dislodging the pea, allowing Banks to breathe again. This critical intervention likely saved her life.
In the aftermath of this incident, Banks has been using her platform to advocate for widespread first aid training. “Make sure you know how to do it. Talk to your friends and family about it,” she urged. Banks also addressed common misconceptions about the Heimlich maneuver, such as the fear of cracking ribs. “They’re dying, so crack a rib if you have to. I would’ve been fine with a cracked rib. I literally couldn’t breathe, and it was super scary,” she emphasized.
Banks’ ordeal highlights not only the unpredictable nature of such emergencies but also the critical importance of being prepared. Her experience serves as a stark reminder that knowing how to perform basic life-saving techniques can make all the difference when seconds count.
For those interested in learning more about first aid, numerous resources and courses are available through organizations like the Red Cross and local community centers. Elizabeth Banks’ advocacy and personal testimony may inspire many to acquire these essential skills, potentially saving lives in the future.
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