An 11-year-old girl in China has been praised as a hero after saving a woman who was choking on bubble tea, just days after learning a life-saving first aid skill.
The incident happened on 8 August at a hot pot restaurant in Shenyang, Liaoning Province. CCTV cameras captured the dramatic moment, which has since spread widely on social media.
Photo via Ningbo Network
The woman, identified only as Wu, had accidentally inhaled milk tea while eating and started choking at her table. She stood up and signalled desperately to her partner and restaurant staff that she could not breathe. Although her partner tried patting her back and staff rushed over, nobody knew the correct procedure to help.
That was when 11-year-old Hu Zihan, who was dining nearby, sprang into action. She quickly positioned herself behind Wu, wrapped her arms around her waist, and performed the Heimlich manoeuvre. Within half a minute, several tapioca pearls were forced out of Wu’s airway, allowing her to breathe again.
CCTV footage shows Wu turning immediately to hug Hu in relief and gratitude.
Speaking afterwards, Wu explained that she had tried signalling for first aid but realised nobody understood her gestures. “Luckily, that little girl knew straight away what was happening,” she said.
It was later revealed that Hu is a volunteer with the Liaoning Provincial Red Cross Society. On 1 August, just a week before the incident, she had attended a training session where she learnt how to respond to airway obstructions.
“The Red Cross teaches that everyone should know first aid, because first aid is for everyone. In a critical moment, it can truly save lives,” Hu told CCTV News.
Her mother, who witnessed the rescue, said she could not be prouder. “She told me, ‘Mum, I can save her,’ and stood up right away. At first, no one wanted to let her take over, but she stepped forward and saved that woman’s life in 30 seconds. I told her she is amazing,” she shared.
