Officer Saves Choking Man After Near-Deadly Dare

KALAMAZOO (WWJ/AP) - Authorities say a public safety officer saved a choking sandwich shop employee who tried to swallow six pieces of Italian meat in a dare with a co-worker.

Kalamazoo Public Safety said officers responded Wednesday night to a Jimmy John's sub shop and found the 22-year-old employee unresponsive on the floor with a blue face.

Police said the man's co-workers had tried the Heimlich maneuver without success, so Officer Keaton Nielsen stepped in and dislodged the obstruction.

The employee still was unresponsive, so Nielsen administered breathing assistance for about a minute until the man was able to breathe on his own, according to police.

The man was taken to an area hospital, where he was listed in stable condition.

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