On a typical Saturday night, Rabbi Yehuda Levi, a United Hatzalah volunteer EMT, was performing as a one-man band at a local synagogue event.

After completing his first musical set, Rabbi Levi took a moment to relax before the next set when his communication device suddenly alerted him to an urgent situation: a nine-year-old child choking just two buildings away.

Realizing the urgency of the matter, Rabbi Levi sprang into action and rushed out of the event, explaining on his way out that there was an emergency and that he would be back in a few moments.

Arriving on the scene in less than 90 seconds, he found a young child choking as a small toy obstructed his airway. Rabbi Levi immediately performed the Heimlich maneuver, swiftly dislodging the obstruction and saving the child’s life. Seconds later, a United Hatzalah ambulance crew arrived at the scene.

Amid the grateful tears and thanks from the relieved family, Rabbi Levi politely excused himself, handed the patient over to the ambulance crew, and returned to the synagogue event—finishing his musical performance as if nothing extraordinary had just occurred.

“Having the knowledge and skill to save a life is a real responsibility, but more importantly, it is a privilege,” said Rabbi Levi. “I’m so thankful that God placed me at the right place at the right time and that I was able to be the right messenger to save a life.”