TOPEKA – It was easier for state Sen. Ed Berger, R-Hutchinson, to answer questions about his first attempt Wednesday night to perform the Heimlich maneuver than to elaborate on what happened Thursday.

An appreciative state Sen. Dan Goddard, R-Parsons, spoke in the Senate on Thursday and the full Senate gave Berger a standing ovation.

“That’s just not me,” Berger said, embarrassed by the attention. “Really, overrated a little bit,” he said.

On Wednesday, various agricultural business groups sponsored a reception for legislators at the Topeka Country Club. Goddard was sitting beside Berger, and Berger could see Goddard was choking.

Berger asked if he wanted him to perform the Heimlich maneuver. Goddard indicated yes.

“Certainly I didn’t want to do anything to hurt him,” said Berger, who had been concerned he could hurt Goddard’s ribs and didn't want to push on his chest if the trouble was temporary. The push helped dislodge food, and Goddard began to breathe more easily.

"Last night, Ed acted very quickly," Goddard told The News on Thursday. "I can't thank him enough," he said.

Goddard said he felt fine Thursday, just a little sore from the compression. 

“It worked out pretty fine,” Berger said.

Both Berger and Goddard entered the Senate last year after retiring from their primary careers. Berger is the former president of Hutchinson Community College, and Goddard is a retired Air Force colonel and former chief executive officer of the Great Plains Development Authority.

"Whenever I have the opportunity to go to a dinner and Ed Berger is there, I'm going to sit next to him," Goddard said.