Ashley Hughes is now a recognized hero.
Hughes, a caretaker who saved the life of an elderly Upper Gwynedd Township resident in April, was commended for her bravery by Upper Gwynedd Township Police and township Board of Commissioners Tuesday night.
It was around 10:36 a.m. April 27 when an 89-year-old township woman was eating cereal, when she suddenly began choking and turning blue.
Hughes immediately went into action, striking her client on her back, and then performing the Heimlich maneuver.
“These actions,” read police Chief David Duffy from the official commendation, “successfully cleared the female’s airway and when officers arrived, she was coughing, but breathing.”
Duffy said Upper Gwynedd Township Fire Department’s Quick Response Service (QRS) and a Volunteer Medical Service Corps of Lansdale ambulance responded quickly to the scene. QRS personnel, Duffy said, evaluated the woman.
“(QRS) felt that if it were not for Hughes’ quick actions, the choking would have continued, and the outcome could have been much worse,” he said. “Therefore, Ashley Hughes is recognized and officially commended for her quick thinking and lifesaving actions that saved a township resident during a crisis situation.”
The commissioners’ meeting was livestreamed via Zoom. Hughes was not present to comment, as technical issues kicked her out of the stream and she was not reconnected by the end of the commendation.
“She did a great job,” Duffy said. “A fancy, official paper commendation will be sent to her.”
Board President Liz McNaney thanked Hughes for her efforts.
“That is great to hear,” McNaney said.
See also:
Police, Public Works Rescue Ducklings in Harleysville [VIDEO]
Driver Rescued After Crashing into Graveyard on Allentown Road
Body Cam Footage Shows Police Officers Saving Horse From Barn Fire In Hilltown Township
Upper Gwynedd Police Work to Free Deer Trapped in Fence (VIDEO)
Photos: Tour of Upper Gwynedd Township Police Station
