Volunteer paramedics from Linz save a neighbor from suffocation!

Volunteer paramedics from Linz save a neighbor from suffocation!

Linz-Land, Österreich - A truly heroic moment occurred in Linz when 22-year-old Patrick Hochhuber, a volunteer paramedic at the Samaritan Association, saved his neighbor Helga Schmidt. On July 23, 2025, he heard the desperate scream of his neighbor's nurse when he left the lift, and does not hesitate.

to help as a Hochhuber, he found the 71-year-old in acute shortness of breath and with a bluish face. Through fast and targeted measures, including strong blows between his shoulder blades, he managed to promote a 2.5 cm piece of fruit from Helga Schmidt's airways. "After that, she was able to breathe again and was responsive again," report witnesses of the incident.

A quick intervention saves life

Thanks to Hochhuber's quick action, the patient could be transported to the hospital, where she could be released after just a few hours. His colleagues at the Samaritan Association praised him for his superior action in this critical situation. As was confirmed to them, Hochhuber instinctively fell into a "work mode" and acted without thinking for a long time. Such reactions are particularly important in emergency medicine.

Patrick Hochhuber came to the Samaritan Association in 2022 and remained active as a volunteer as a volunteer while studying at the Technical University of Graz. He does one or two services a month, which shows that his commitment is of great importance for him despite studying.

training and future plans

his career in the emergency services is also something special. Hochhuber plans to go to Montana State University in Bozeman, USA for four months in mid -August. There he could possibly complete a trial service in the rescue system to further expand his skills. These experiences are valuable, because the Samaritan Association regularly offers training programs to prepare interested parties for working in the emergency services. You can find out more about these training offers on the website of the Samaritan Association and also the commitment of volunteers and Hochhuber.

his commitment not only underlines his will to give something back to society, but also shows how important the community is in volunteering. Such heroic deeds do not remain unnoticed and are a valuable memory of how quickly and effectively good neighborhood and helpfulness can save lives. Patrick Hochhuber is therefore not only a role model for young people, but also a real hero of everyday life.