- Published:
- Friday 10 April 2026 at 2:21 pm
The Carman’s Kitchen founder and Managing Director was hosting friends for dinner in late 2024 when she suddenly began to choke on a piece of steak and collapsed, hitting her head on the ground and losing consciousness.
A quick-thinking call to 000 (Triple Zero) saw husband Pete connected with Imogen, who directed him to begin life-saving CPR.
With the support of other guests, Pete continued performing CPR for more than 20 minutes under Imogen’s guidance while Ambulance Victoria (AV) paramedics were on the way to the remote Gippsland property.
This heroic effort by those on site - and the steady and supportive instructions from Imogen - helped keep Carolyn alive until the ambulance crews were able to take over.
Today (Thurs) Imogen was reunited with Carman’s Kitchen founder Carolyn Creswell and her husband Pete at Carman’s HQ in Huntingdale, alongside paramedic Trent Jackson and members of the helicopter team that transported her to hospital.
Carolyn said she was forever grateful for Imogen’s calm voice on the other end of the line steering Pete and their friends that day, even arranging a video call with the other dinner guests so they could thank Imogen personally.
“I am grateful every day for the professionalism and calm of the team that helped save my life. Their incredible care made all the difference,” Carolyn said. The support from paramedics, the Triple Zero call-taker, and everyone involved was incredible. I am so proud to live in Australia with this level of care.”
Imogen said it was Pete’s calmness and attentiveness during the call that made all the difference. "Pete did absolutely everything right when he called 000,” Imogen said.
“He gave the address clearly and quickly so we could get help on its way immediately, and in spite of everything that was going on he stayed very calm and listened to all of my instructions so we could keep doing CPR together until paramedics arrived. His actions helped save Carolyn's life that day."
When paramedics arrived they found her turning blue due to a lack of oxygen, using Magill forceps and a laryngoscope to view her airway and locate the blockage, eventually removing two pieces of steak. Carolyn spent a week in hospital being treated for a cracked sternum, multiple broken ribs and concussion but has fully recovered.
Updated