We expect fast service when we go to a fast-food restaurant.
We go there when we need to eat and have no time to cook or sit and wait for food. There, we expect nothing but quick, immediate service.
But this story that occurred in a famous fast-food restaurant took service to a different level.
McDonald’s Eden Prairie staff member Sydney Raley was used to fast-food service.
As restaurant staff, they can be assigned to any station at any given period, from the counter and the kitchen to bussing tables and the drive-thru service.
Sydney was assigned to their drive-thru window that day.
According to her, it was an ordinary day.
Her shift started as usual. Even the lunch rush of cars lining up for drive-thru was nothing unusual – until one car reached her window.
Sydney looked in the car and saw the customer gasping for air.
She was grabbing her neck and coughing profusely, which only means one thing – she was choking. Sydney didn’t hesitate to act.
She jumped out of the drive-thru window to help the choking woman.
Sydney told the customer’s daughter to call 911. She took the woman out of the car and asked a random pedestrian to help her. Together, they successfully performed the Heimlich maneuver.
Sydney’s customer service went above and beyond.
Her parents were so proud of what she did.
Her mother, Stephanie, told KARE 11 that Sydney had first aid training years ago and they were so amazed that she still remembered all those. Her father, Tom, also pointed out that their daughter is autistic and has a talent for remembering things so well.
While we consider her a hero, Sydney humbly didn’t take all the credit.
“It could’ve ended a lot worse, but I am super thankful for that bystander who helped so much. Because I am decent at first aid, but if it weren’t for him and our efforts together, it could’ve ended so much worse,” she told KARE 11.
The Eden Prairie Police Department also took notice and gave Sydney $100.
The department has a Crime Prevention Fund wherein all their officers are given $50 each funded by anonymous donors. The fund was used to reward community members for their kind or heroic deed, or simply to give out happiness and brighten people’s day.
Both officers who responded to the emergency gave their $50 to Sydney.
According to EPPD Sgt. Scott Mittelstadt said in their Facebook post that they were proud of what Sydney did. Her action was a testament that everyone in the community – regardless of age or position – can make a difference.
Sydney also learned an important lesson about herself.
“It feels as though I am actually capable of contributing to society and (capable of) making a difference.”
Without a doubt, you can Sydney!
Hear more about Sydney’s heroic act in the video below!
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