Their first meeting was brief and fairly frantic, but Nattie Hurta and Rahn Finley were like old friends Friday as they reunited for the first time since a life-saving moment.
Nattie, a University of North Texas alumna, had returned to the school in mid-June to visit her daughter who works there and her grandkids, just days before her 77th birthday.
While they were sitting down in the Bruce Hall cafeteria to eat lunch, Nattie said a bite of chicken and rice quickly shook her from her seat.
“All the sudden, it just felt like my throat had swelled up,” said Hurta.
Nattie was choking.
Her daughter attempted the Heimlich Maneuver, but was unable to get the food dislodged.
Luckily though, the dining manager on staff, Rahn Finley, was trained in the life-saving technique and rushed across the room seeing the commotion.
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“I was just so thankful that it worked out the way it did,” said Finley.
Finley’s attempt at the maneuver was successful and he got Nattie breathing again. The manager also called 911 and stayed with her until the ambulance arrived.
Hurta said the day was a bit of a blur, but she remembers at that point several students coming to her table as well and checking on her while cleaning up the mess that was left behind from the commotion.
"They didn't stop to think, they just did it, and I don't know who the kids were, but I appreciate it,” she said.
On Friday the two got to meet again, no longer strangers, with a big hug and an even bigger thank you.
"I've wanted to say thank you so much, because if it wouldn't have been for you I wouldn't be here,” Nattie said to Rahn.
Nattie’s daughter, who was also there for the reunion, couldn’t help but tear up at the sight.
“He saved her life,” she said.
