"but why did he call 911?"
If he took a big swig, he probably thought and felt like he was dying.
I agree. Growing up in Eastern NC in the 60's and 70's I invariably worked in the tobacco fields. And, like most of my friends, tried chewing tobacco. That one big wad of Red Man made me soooooooooooooooo sick that I've never put chew, dip, snuff, in my mouth since.
Just seeing spit bottles, etc. makes me want to hurl.