Staffer uses Heimlich to save child patron.

SHAKOPEE (Minn.); MINNESOTA

This article reports that when four-year old Alicia Siedow came running from children's section choking on a piece of gum and collapsed in front of the circulation desk, the fast action of a library assistant saved her life. The dramatic rescue occurred on January 25, 1990, at the public library in Shakopee, Minnesota. Library assistant Mary Freyberg said she rushed around the counter and grabbed the girl from behind to perform the Heimlich maneuver. The library assistant described the child as dazed during the whole ordeal. Paramedics appeared on the scene and took the child to the hospital to receive treatment. The revived child returned to the library with her mother that afternoon with a bouquet of flowers to express her thanks. Freyberg learned the rescue technique after the young child of a friend died from choking. She has taught the method to her own three children and to Brownie and Cub Scout troops she leads.