At a Glance
- Carman’s founder Carolyn Creswell spent a week in ICU after choking on steak at a dinner party
- Her husband performed CPR for 30 minutes, saving her life but breaking nine ribs and her sternum
- Creswell urged followers to chew food well and admitted beef is now “never my first pick”
- Why it matters: A routine meal turned life-threatening, highlighting how quickly choking can become fatal and the importance of knowing CPR
Carman’s founder Carolyn Creswell has revealed she nearly died after choking on a piece of steak during a dinner party at her farm in Gippsland, southeastern Australia. The 52-year-old mother of four shared her harrowing experience on Instagram, marking one year since the incident that landed her in intensive care.
The Choking Incident
On January 7, Creswell posted photos from her hospital stay with the caption: “A long overdue post… but it’s a goodie!” She explained that exactly one year earlier, she had invited friends to their farm for dinner when disaster struck.
“I choked on a piece of steak,” she wrote. Her husband Pete attempted to dislodge the obstruction using back blows and the Heimlich maneuver, but without success. Creswell lost consciousness, hitting her head in the fall and splitting it open.
For the next 30 minutes, Pete and their dinner guests performed CPR while speaking with emergency services. Four ambulances eventually arrived, and paramedics used long forceps to remove the lodged piece of meat.
The Aftermath
Creswell was airlifted to The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, where she spent a week in the ICU and trauma unit. Her injuries included:
- Concussion
- Stitched head wound
- Nine broken ribs
- Broken sternum
Despite the severity of her injuries, Creswell maintained a positive outlook. She noted that the broken ribs and sternum were signs of “excellent CPR that saved my life,” adding that Pete had only practiced on mannequins before this real-life emergency.
Gratitude and Recovery
In her post, Creswell expressed deep gratitude to multiple individuals and groups:
- Her husband Pete for his life-saving efforts
- The emergency phone operator who guided the CPR
- The medical team at The Alfred Hospital
- Her friend Doone Colless, who rushed to the hospital to help save her hair from being shaved
- Her Carman’s team for managing the business during her recovery
“Eternally grateful every day for a 100% recovery,” she concluded, while also issuing a safety reminder: “Please chew WELL!”
Business Background
Creswell founded Carman’s in 1992 at age 18 while attending university. She purchased the small muesli business where she worked part-time for $1,000 AUD (approximately $670 USD). The company has since grown into an international brand, with its gourmet products available worldwide.
According to News Of Losangeles, Creswell has previously reflected on her entrepreneurial journey, stating: “It’s amazing where life can lead you.”
Key Takeaways
Creswell’s experience serves as a stark reminder of how quickly everyday activities can turn dangerous. Her story highlights several important lessons:
- Choking can happen to anyone, regardless of age or health
- Knowing CPR can literally save lives
- Proper chewing of food is crucial for preventing choking incidents
- Emergency services play a vital role in such crises
The entrepreneur’s willingness to share her experience publicly demonstrates how personal stories can raise awareness about safety measures that might prevent similar incidents. Her recovery appears complete, though she admits her relationship with beef has changed, noting it’s “never my first pick anymore.”
