An 11-year-old girl in Northeast China's Shenyang, Liaoning Province, saves a woman from choking on tapioca pearls by performing the Heimlich maneuver on August 8, 2025. Photo: Screenshot of CCTV News

An 11-year-old girl in Northeast China's Shenyang, Liaoning Province, saved a woman from choking on tapioca pearls by performing the Heimlich maneuver, local media Liaoning Daily reported.

On the evening of August 8, at a newly opened restaurant in Shenyang's Huanggu District, a woman suddenly began choking and showing signs of respiratory distress after drinking bubble tea. 

Her lips turned purple despite repeated back slaps from a companion. She signaled for the Heimlich maneuver, but no one nearby knew how to perform it, said the report.

Hu Zihan, a youth first-aid instructor with the Liaoning Red Cross Society, was dining at a nearby table when she noticed the emergency. "Mom, she's choking — I just learned the Heimlich maneuver, I can help her," Hu reportedly said before stepping forward.

Remaining calm, Hu wrapped her arms around the woman's waist and delivered a series of abdominal thrusts. Within 30 seconds, three tapioca pearls were expelled, and the woman was able to breathe again.

The woman thanked Hu for saving her life, while other diners applauded the young rescuer.

"The applause from everyone made me feel proud and touched. Suddenly, I thought this little girl was so great — in that moment, she saved a life. It was meaningful and powerful," said Hu's mother.