Quick Action and Training Save Student's Life at Lakenheath Elementary School

A routine snack time at Lakenheath Elementary School turned into a heart-pounding moment on Sept. 3, but thanks to quick action and life-saving skills, a potential crisis was successfully avoided.

In the afternoon, a first-grade student, Conner Eby, began choking on a Cheez-It cracker in his classroom. The child quickly showed signs of distress, turning bright red and his lips beginning to turn blue. The classroom teacher, Dana Sassman, immediately took charge of the situation.

"I tried to encourage him to cough and breathe, but it became clear very quickly that this was serious," the teacher recalled. "I performed the Heimlich maneuver, but the first thrust didn't work. It wasn't until the second attempt that Conner started coughing and crying, which was a relief because I knew he was getting air again."

The teacher's swift response was supported by colleagues Johnna Stadler and Gayle Oliveira, who were present in the classroom. Stadler attempted to radio the school nurse, but the immediate action rendered further intervention unnecessary as Conner regained his ability to breathe before the nurse could arrive. Conner was then escorted to the school nurse for a full assessment. After a call to his mother, Conner was cleared to return to class and later went home safely on the school bus.

This incident underscores the importance of training in life-saving techniques such as the Heimlich maneuver, CPR and basic First Aid. The outcome could have been far different without proper knowledge and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

"We always hope we never need to use these skills, but situations like this show just how critical they are," said the school nurse, Carol Vargas. "Ongoing training for teachers and staff ensures that when emergencies happen, they are ready."

This event serves as a stark reminder that proper preparedness and fast, decisive action can make all the difference in a life-threatening situation. It's not just a lesson, it's a call to action.