A teacher saved the life of a 13-year-old student who was choking on a salami sandwich at Pinole Middle School last month, according to the Pinole Police Department.
At 10 a.m. Dec. 9, the teacher, identified only as Ms. Fay, heard alarming gasping noises and immediately recognized the emergency, police said. She sprang into action to perform the Heimlich maneuver, which expelled the food within 60 seconds, enabling the student to breathe again.
“Thanks to Ms. Fay’s quick and decisive action, a tragedy was averted,” the Police Department stated. “Her courage, attentiveness, and professionalism exemplify the best in educators.”
Fay’s heroism “reminds us of the importance of knowing First Aid and CPR,” police added.
“You never know when these vital skills might be needed, and your knowledge could make all the difference in an emergency.”
The American Red Cross offers classes to prepare you for these emergencies. Find more information at www.redcross.org.
