January 1, Teen Jumps From Drive-Thru Window to Save Choking Customer [Video]

A 15-year-old Minnesota McDonald’s employee jumped out of the drive-thru window to save a choking customer’s life.

Sydney Raley said she noticed one of her customers “coughing profusely” while pulling up to the drive-thru window during her shift.

“I noticed that she was coughing profusely, and her daughter just had this look on her face like sheer terror,” Raley said. “I could tell, ‘Oh, crap, she’s choking.’ Just seeing that visceral reaction, I knew we need to act fast.”

“I jumped out the window of the drive-thru, and I got her out of the car, and I told her daughter to call 911. I started doing the Heimlich maneuver, but I’m not really strong, so it didn’t work the first couple times,” she continued.

Raley said she took first-aid training when she was 11 for her certification to become a babysitter.

She called over a bystander for help, and he dislodged a chicken nugget from the choking customer’s throat.

“It could’ve ended a lot worse, but I am super thankful for that bystander who helped so much,” Raley said. “Because I am decent at first aid, but if it weren’t for him and our efforts together, it could’ve ended so much worse.”

Raley’s good deed netted her a $100 reward from the two Eden Prairie Police Department officers who responded to the scene.

“Our crime fund gave every officer $50 to hand out to wherever we feel the need, [including] if somebody did outstanding work, above and beyond,” Sgt. Scott Mittelstadt said.

“We’re very proud of Sydney,” Mittelstadt said. “She’s a great example of how all of us – no matter our age or position – can make a difference in our communities.”

Raley said the experience changed her perspective.

“You feel as though, like, ‘Huh, I’m actually capable of contributing to society and actually, like, capable of making a difference,'” she said.

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Minnesota teen jumps out of McDonald’s drive-thru window to save choking customer