Loyola cafeteria cashier saves ER doctor with Heimlich maneuver: 'I couldn't breathe'

Monday, September 22, 2025
MAYWOOD, Ill. (WLS) -- A doctor thanked a cafeteria cashier for saving her life as she started choking at the Loyola University Medical Center.



Emergency room Dr. Joan Dimopoulos was eating a chicken sandwich, when she began to choke.

"I couldn't breathe, and she recognized that I gave the universal choking sign. She had the courage to help me," Dr. Dimopoulos said.

KeztlyAngel jumped into action to give Dr. Dimopoulos the Heimlich maneuver.



On Monday, the two women reunited at a ceremony attended by Angel's children and Dr. Dimopoulos's mother.

Angel said she learned the Heimlich maneuver as a student at Proviso East High School.

"It just goes to show you that you never know when you can help somebody," Angel said.

Loyola Medicine


Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.