Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., is being credited for his quick action after a fellow senator began choking during a Republican conference luncheon at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, Nov. 1. Paul successfully performed the Heimlich on Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa.

Ernst confirmed a reporter’s account of the incident on X, saying in jest, “Can’t help but choke on the woke policies Dems are forcing down our throats. Thanks, Dr. Rand Paul.”

Can’t help but choke on the woke policies Dems are forcing down our throats. Thanks, Dr. @RandPaul! https://t.co/OJDdqpQXjR

— Joni Ernst (@SenJoniErnst) November 30, 2023

Following the choking incident, a spokesperson at Ernst’s office told the Des Moines Register that the Republican senator was “doing well.”

Paul is a medical doctor specializing in ophthalmology. Ernst was hosting the luncheon of GOP lawmakers, part of a tradition with a different senator bringing in food from their home state each week.

The “Iowa Day” luncheon featured ribeye steaks and pork chops from the Iowa Cattleman’s Association.

Yummm an Iowa chop from Sen Ernst & the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association for lunch pic.twitter.com/dGYFaegwN4

— Chuck Grassley (@ChuckGrassley) November 30, 2023

Paul’s quick reaction has been dubbed heroism by his Republican colleagues. On X, Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, called Paul a “hero.”

Rand Paul = HERO

Not all heroes wear capes.

Not all senators can quote Mises and Hayek — while saving lives! https://t.co/vZqmUTtXjF

— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) November 30, 2023

Paul ran for president in the 2016; at the time, he entered the race as one of the more prominent GOP candidates. But Paul ended his presidential bid after the Iowa caucuses and receiving just 5% of votes. Donald Trump won the 2016 presidential election, defeating his Democratic adversary Hillary Clinton.