Savannah Nurse Saves Choking Patient on Her Lunch Break

Alicia McCullough was halfway through her Wednesday lunch break when she looked up and saw something terrifying. Joanne Smith, a patient battling a severe autoimmune disorder, was choking.

Without hesitation, the oncology nurse at St. Joseph's Candler Hospital in Savannah jumped into action. She performed the Heimlich maneuver, dislodging the food and saving Smith's life.

"I was scared," Smith said afterward. "Alicia saved my life."

For McCullough, the moment was doubly shocking. In her entire nursing career, she had never needed to perform the life-saving technique outside of training drills.

"I was just glad to be in the right place at the right time," McCullough said. "Oh my God, like I really actually just saved this woman's life."

Smith, a Bulloch County resident, faces daily challenges from her autoimmune disorder. The disease affects every muscle in her body, including the ones she needs to swallow food safely.

Sunny's Take

The rescue created an instant bond between two strangers. Smith and McCullough have formed what they call a lifelong friendship, born from one terrifying moment and one quick response.

"There's nothing that you can do that can pay for having your life extended another day," Smith said.

The timing couldn't be more perfect. The incident happened just as National Nurses Week began, a national celebration recognizing the millions of nurses who show up every day to care for others.

For McCullough, the recognition during this special week hits differently now. "It feels good to just be noticed, to be recognized for the hard work that I do," she said.

Hospitals across Georgia's Coastal Empire and Low Country regions are celebrating their nursing teams this week with special activities. Local stores and restaurants are joining in, offering discounts to nurses as a small thank you for their service.

Smith's life was saved by someone who happened to be in the right place with the right skills, but it's a reminder that nurses bring those skills everywhere they go.