In a confronting and deeply personal account, Carolyn Creswell has revealed the terrifying moment she nearly lost her life in a choking incident—an experience she says was marked not just by panic, but by an unexpected sense of calm.
The founder of Carman’s, known across Australia for its wholesome breakfast products, recounted how what began as a normal day quickly turned into a life-threatening emergency. While eating, something went horribly wrong, leaving her unable to breathe.
“I couldn’t get any air in at all,” she shared. “It was one of those moments where you realise very quickly just how fragile everything is.”
But what startled Creswell most wasn’t just the physical distress—it was what came next.
“As I started to lose consciousness, there was this strange calm,” she explained. “It wasn’t chaotic or frightening in that final moment… it felt like, ‘off you float.’”
The experience has since prompted her to reflect on both life and mortality. Known for her resilience and business acumen, Creswell admitted the ordeal shifted her perspective in ways she never expected.
“You think you’re in control of your life, your business, your health—but something like this reminds you how quickly things can change,” she said.
Emergency response played a critical role in her survival, and she has since emphasised the importance of knowing basic first aid, particularly how to respond to choking incidents. She hopes sharing her story will encourage others to be more prepared.
Since the incident, Creswell has returned to work and continues to lead her brand with renewed appreciation for life’s everyday moments. Friends and fans alike have expressed relief at her recovery, while her story has sparked wider conversations about health awareness and emergency readiness.
Though she describes the ordeal as frightening, it’s the unexpected serenity of that critical moment that has stayed with her most.
“It’s not something you ever want to experience,” she said, “but it definitely changes how you see everything afterwards.”
