(The Hill) – New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu sprung into action this weekend when he realized a contestant in a lobster roll-eating contest was choking — performing the Heimlich maneuver on the competitive eater until first responders could take over.
“In the commotion and excitement of the contest, I was the first to notice that the gentleman at the far end of the row of contestants was choking. So, I moved forward and immediately started giving him the Heimlich,” Sununu said in a statement to The Hill.
In video captured by a spectator (above), a contestant identified as Christian Moreno can be seen on the stage, signaling for help as others continued scarfing down their lobster rolls during the Hampton Beach Lobster Roll Eating Competition on Sunday.
Sununu jumped behind him, giving several forceful compressions until emergency responders could get to the man.
“Here in New Hampshire we never hesitate to jump in to help. I’m just glad I paid attention in my high school health class,” Sununu said.
The governor also remarked that Moreno got back into the competition after choking on the second roll and went on to eat several more.
“After the lobster roll was dislodged, Christian went right back to the contest, which I couldn’t believe,” Sununu said. “He ate another seven lobster rolls after that!”