Security guard Dave Moritz tells of how he saved choking woman

A security guard has detailed the moment he realised a Maryborough shopping centre worker was choking and has humbly reflected on his actions.

The incident was witnessed this week by Fraser Coast councillor Paul Truscott, who saw Dave Moritz’s “life-saving actions”.

The quick-thinking actions of a hero security guard are being applauded after he saved a woman who was choking at a Maryborough supermarket.

The incident was witnessed this week by Fraser Coast Councillor Paul Truscott, who saw Dave Moritz’s “life-saving actions”.

“Amid the daily hustle and bustle of Station Square Shopping Centre, an extraordinary act of heroism unfolded, underscoring the importance of quick thinking and decisive action in times of crisis,” he said.

“I had only minutes before left the Foundry Coffee Shop Maryborough, and was talking nearby when I noticed store owner Carmen racing around and then urgent dash to Dave standing near the complex entrance, seeking his assistance.

“With unwavering resolve, Dave sprang into action, racing to the aid of staff member Gina (de Voogd), who I later found out was choking on a piece of plastic dislodged from a water bottle.

“Dave swiftly performed the Heimlich manoeuvre, a life-saving technique rarely witnessed outside the realm of movies.

“His quick thinking and decisive action were instrumental in dislodging the obstruction from Gina’s throat, ultimately saving her life.

The incident was witnessed this week by Fraser Coast councillor Paul Truscott, who saw Dave Moritz’s lifesaving actions.

“Upon reflection, Dave’s humility shone through as he downplayed his heroic efforts, attributing them to nothing more than a sense of duty and a desire to help a fellow human in need.

“I approached Dave, asking to take his photo and share this story, because I said people should know about his amazing fast thinking and action, he’s a hero.

“Dave was incredibly modest and just doing his job, insisting he was merely doing what anyone would in a similar situation. Dave’s actions serve as a reminder of the vital role that everyday heroes play in our communities, and the critical importance of being prepared to act decisively in times of crisis.

“It’s great to know we’ve got people around like Dave that will step in and help when needed, even if it is just doing their job.

“No doubt Gina thanks you, but as a representative of our community, and witnessing your action, I want to publicly thank you also.

Station Square Shopping Centre.

“Champion effort, thank you Dave.”

Mr Moritz said he had been reluctant to accept any praise for his actions, insisting he was “just doing his job”.

But his 12-year-old daughter had been the one who had made him realise the significance of what had happened, he said.

Mr Moritz said he had been patrolling the shopping centre as usual when he was approached by a woman at the coffee shop, who said a staff member was choking.

He said he wouldn’t exactly describe his actions as the Heimlich manoeuvre, but he had gotten Gina to bend over before hitting her on the back a number of times to dislodge the object.

Mr Moritz said as soon as he realised the severity of the situation, he knew there was no time to second guess.

After the object was dislodged, Mr Moritz said he’d had one thought before he got back to work.

“I thought, ‘at least she gets to walk in the door tonight and have dinner with her family’,” he said.

Ms de Voogd said she was very grateful to the man who had intervened when she was choking.

She said her throat was still sore, but she was very grateful for Mr Moritz’s quick-thinking actions.

The cap on the water bottle had lodged in the back of her throat and she hadn’t been able to breathe in or breathe out, Ms de Voogd said.

She said a doctor had since told her Mr Moritz had done exactly the right thing in hitting her on the back to dislodge the plastic cap.

“I’m very grateful, he was very calm and decisive,” Ms de Voogd said.

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