On Sept. 17, 2019 as students were finishing breakfast in the cafeteria at Eastside Elementary School, School Resource Deputy Christopher Downey observed a pre-kindergarten teacher running toward him, with a student in her arms.
As the teacher approached Deputy Downey, she advised him that the student was choking and needed assistance.
Deputy Downey sprang into action.
Deputy Downey observed the student (4 year old) for a few seconds to determine if in fact there was an actual emergency. Immediately, Deputy Downey observed that the student was attempting to clear something from his throat.
The student did not appear to be breathing and was not making any sounds.
In an effort to dislodge the obstruction, Deputy Downy quickly administered five back blows to the student. This procedure proved unsuccessful; the student’s airway was still obstructed.
Deputy Downey then administered five abdominal thrusts to the student. At this point Deputy Downy could hear the student making a high pitched sound. The student was then able to clear a large piece of cake (or bread) from his mouth.
The student, who is non-verbal, responded to Deputy Downy and school staff by making loud noises, indicating his airway was clear.
The student was then taken to the school clinic to be checked by the school nurse. The nurse advised the student appeared fine and proceeded to contact the student’s parent(s) to advise them of the incident.
The student returned to class after the incident.
