Carolyn Creswell: Founder of Aussie food brand Carman’s Kitchen comes close to death after choking on steak
The founder of multimillion dollar Aussie brand Carman’s Kitchen has shared her terrifying near-death experience after choking on a piece of steak.
Carolyn Creswell, 52, was hosting a dinner party alongside her husband Peter on their Gippsland farm in Victoria a year ago, when the ordeal played out.
“Pete tried everything to bang/Heimlich it out, but I passed out (splitting my head open)”, the businesswoman said in an Instagram post detailing the events.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Mr Creswell and his friends then spent 30 minutes performing CPR while speaking to triple-0, until finally four ambulances arrived and paramedics were able to dislodge the steak from Ms Creswell’s throat.
She was flown by helicopter to Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital, where she spent a week in the intensive care unit and trauma unit for her injuries.
Ms Creswell suffered nine broken ribs and a broken sternum from the CPR, and received stitches for the gash on her head, as well as treatment for the concussion she sustained during the fall.
“Pete had only done his lifesaving training on mannequins before, but it really paid off when he needed it in real life,” she said.
“Apparently it’s not good CPR if it doesn’t break a few things!”
The entrepreneur ended her post with a touching message, where she thanked those who had helped save her life.
“As I watch all the kids going to nippers this summer, I just wanted to do a huge shout-out to @lifesavingvic for teaching skills that might save someone’s (like mine!) life”, she said.
She thanked Pete and his friend Tim for the CPR as well as the “calm” and “encouraging” lady from triple-0 who talked them through it.
Ms Creswell thanked “the WHOLE team at The Alfred”, and said “how lucky are we to live in a country with such incredible medical care”.
“Eternally grateful every day for a 100% recovery.”
She ended her heartfelt message with a warning to others: “Apparently, they told me in hospital it’s always the steak... so please chew WELL!”
