Georgia Police Officer Saves Choking Driver Using LifeVac Device

A Georgia police officer is being praised for her swift response and decisive action after using a LifeVac device to save a man who was choking behind the wheel on Wednesday morning.

The Acworth Police Department said officers responded at around 10:29 a.m. Wednesday to a medical emergency near New McEver Road and Acworth Industrial Drive. The 911 caller, identified as Steven Williams, reported that he was choking on the plastic cap of a water bottle while driving but managed to pull over and call for help.

Corporal Severtson, the first officer to arrive at the scene, immediately recognized the life-threatening nature of the situation. She quickly deployed her department-issued LifeVac, a portable suction device designed to clear obstructed airways. Thanks to her prompt and effective use of the device, the bottle cap was successfully dislodged from Williams airway.

Williams was evaluated at the scene and is expected to make a full recovery. The Acworth Police Department credited Corporal Severtsons quick thinking and training as critical to the successful outcome, emphasizing the importance of equipping officers with specialized life-saving tools.

The incident marks the second time Corporal Severtson has used a LifeVac device to save a life in Acworth, police said. WSB-TV reported that she used her personal LifeVac while responding to a nursing home last year.

The successful outcome of that case prompted the department to equip all officers with the devices, which have been credited with saving hundreds of lives nationwide. Designed with a one-way valve system, the LifeVac creates suction to safely remove obstructions from a choking victims airway without forcing them farther in.

The department hailed the event as a testament to the value of proactive emergency training and investment in innovative life-saving equipment.