NEWNAN, Ga. — Monday started as a normal workday for Newnan Chick-fil-A- employee Mia Velez.

Officials said Velez was working the drive-thru around lunch when she noticed something out of the ordinary in the parking lot.

Velez spotted a little girl who appeared to be choking.

That is when authorities said Velez sprung into action. She quickly left the drive-thru area and ran into the parking to help the little girl, identified as Theia.

Velez began doing the Heimlich maneuver and thankfully, she was able to remove the item blocking Theia’s airway.

Velez said it was her first time having to use the Heimlich. She only began working at Truett’s Chick-fil-A in Newnan just a few months ago.

“While I’ve practiced it several times, this was the first time I’ve had to use the Heimlich on another person. I’m so grateful that I was in the right place, at the right time and that Theia is ok,” Velez said.

Owner and Operator at Truett’s Chick-fil-A, Randy Burgess, recognized Velez for her heroism:

“I’m proud of Mia and grateful she was there to help in this scary situation. It’s always our intention to provide the highest level of care, and Mia demonstrated this with the actions she took on Monday.”

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