Staff Reports
In a display of patriotism and quick thinking, Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky emerged as a hero on Thursday as he performed the Heimlich maneuver on fellow Republican Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa. The incident unfolded during a Senate lunch, a time designated for senators to enjoy good food and engage in discussions about crucial legislation. According to Fox News, it was during this lunch that Ernst found herself choking on an unknown object.
Following Paul's successful intervention, Ernst took to social media to express gratitude for the senator's life-saving actions. However, in her characteristic political wit, she couldn't resist taking a dig at the Democrats, quipping, "Can’t help but choke on the woke policies Dems are forcing down our throats. Thanks, Dr. @RandPaul!" A clever touch from Senator Ernst.
Sen. Rand Paul's Quick Thinking Saves Fellow Republican's Life https://t.co/WC0linJ5RU
— Eric V. Sanson (@evsanson) December 1, 2023
CNN reported that the lunch menu that day featured pork chops and ribeyes, a tantalizing spread. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa even shared a photo of the appetizing feast with Ernst before the unexpected choking incident occurred—an ironic twist of fate.
It's noteworthy that Paul, besides being a senator, is a seasoned ophthalmologist with a medical career dating back to 1993. Senator John Cornyn of Texas acknowledged the seriousness of the incident, remarking, "We’ve had that happen one other time to one of our members. It’s kind of scary." Indeed, choking is a serious matter.
Paul's wife, Kelley Paul, expressed pride in her heroic husband, declaring, "Senator Rand Paul, MD is a hero! Glad Senator Ernst is ok!" Paul's swift actions earned him admiration, with Senator Mike Lee of Utah commending him for being a hero capable of quoting Mises and Hayek while saving lives—an impressive feat of multitasking.
Both Paul and Ernst addressed the incident with their fellow senators, even discussing how to recognize the signs of a choking victim, emphasizing the importance of preparedness, especially during meals as delicious as pork chops and ribeyes.
In summary, it was a harrowing yet heroic moment in the Senate lunch scene. While politics is often seen as a cutthroat arena, who would have thought it could also pose a choking hazard? Thankfully, Senator Rand Paul was there to remind everyone that heroes can emerge from the most unexpected places.
