Texas traffic stop turns to life-saving response to save choking driver

A traffic stop in Texas for mobile phone use quickly turned into a life-saving emergency when the officer realised the driver was choking.

The cruiser's dashcam captured the fight for life when Austin Police officer Dustin Clinkscales pulled the woman over on July 5 after seeing her on the phone.

While sitting on the roadside, the officer walked toward the car only to have the driver open the door.

The 30-year-old woman could not talk or breathe — spurring Officer Clinkscales into action.

"Are you okay?" he asked the driver before grabbing hold of her, spinning her around and performing the Heimlich manoeuvre.

The officer made several thrusts before the object was dislodged from the woman's windpipe.

She inhales and finally lets out a noise, but then faints with Officer Clinkscales lowering her unconscious body down gently to the ground.

The woman was on the phone trying to call emergency services when the officer spotted her.

She is also the daughter of a fellow Austin Police detective, ABC 13 reports.

"I've never been on that side where a relative's been involved," Officer Clinkscales said.

"I've always been on the other side where I'm responding or any other officer here is responding to a total stranger they're giving first aid."

The woman's father, Detective Duncan Dunn, said she was grateful for Officer Clinkscales' swift and professional response.

"At first, it's kind of shocking because I've never been on the side. I've always been on the other side responding," he said.

"She's very thankful. She says she was lucky he was there."

While the officer employed the Heimlich manoeuvre in this instance, St John Ambulance advises against using the move as it can do serious damage to the body — suggesting blows to the back or chest thrusts are preferable.