For Immediate Release
Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: August 10, 2026
Nursing Student Utilizes Training to Save Life
Louisburg -When a restaurant customer began choking during a Sunday afternoon meal earlier this year, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Nursing Student Callie Bartels didn’t hesitate.
Drawing on skills she first learned as a Certified Nursing Assistant student at Southwest Tech, Bartels quickly recognized the emergency, performed the Heimlich maneuver and saved the man’s life while working as a waitress at the Louisburg Junction Supper Club in rural Grant County.
Bartels, a Platteville High School graduate, who lives near Potosi, is entering her final year in Southwest Tech’s Nursing program. She was recently presented with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office Citizen Life-Saving Award in recognition of her quick thinking and calm response.
“It was kind of a normal Sunday,” said Bartels. “His wife called for help, and I asked if he was choking. He nodded his head, and that’s when I did the Heimlich. I had to do it a couple of times, but we got it out.”
Although she had never performed the maneuver on a real person before, Bartels said her training immediately took over. “I learned it in my CNA course about six years ago,” she said. “It’s crazy how your training just sticks with you. I had never had to use it before, but it just kicked in.”
The customer recovered, finished his meal and has since returned to the restaurant, where he again thanked Bartels for saving his life.
Louisburg Junction owner Patti Schuetz said she was not surprised by Bartels’ response. “I’m really proud of her,” said Schuetz. “She just took right over and didn’t hesitate. She was just so calm and knew what to do. It came easy to her. She knew what to do and she did it.”
Bartels credits Southwest Tech’s instructors and hands-on training for preparing her to respond in a critical moment. “I’m very thankful for my instructors and all the skills and lectures we go through because it really does stick with you,” she said. “It makes me more confident in my abilities.”
Her actions not only saved a life but also demonstrated the value of preparation, compassion and remaining calm under pressure, qualities she will bring with her throughout her nursing career.