An Ohio elementary school teacher is being recognized for quick thinking after she helped a student who began choking during class earlier this month.
Xavion, a fifth grader at Frank Jacinto Elementary School, was eating a snack on Wednesday, Dec. 17 when he “suddenly started coughing,” according to a social media news release from Lorain City Schools.
The student had been eating an orange when he raised his hand and grabbed his throat. Some classmates initially assumed he was joking — but his teacher, Alexis Simon, immediately understood the situation after seeing him make the universal choking sign.
“Thank goodness I had been a coach in the district for several years and had first-aid training,” Simon told Cleveland.com.
Lorain City Schools said Simon performed the Heimlich maneuver right away.
“She came in and picked me up and squeezed my, like right here,” Xavion said, pointing to his abdomen, according to the school district.
Moments later, the piece of food came loose and Xavion spit it out. “I was just gasping air,” he recalled, adding, “I never felt that before.”
Simon stayed with him until he was breathing normally again, Lorain City Schools said.
Two days later — on the last day of school before winter break — Simon was presented with the district’s “Caught Being Great” recognition.
Principal Christine Miller said honoring Simon was an easy decision, according to Cleveland.com, adding that it’s important to highlight people who step in to help others without hesitation.
Simon, however, downplayed the praise. “I just did what I would hope somebody would do for my own,” she said. “He was choking and we needed to save him.”
Even so, she said she was grateful for the acknowledgment from the district. “So, thank you!” she added.
As for Xavion, he’s simply thankful she was there. “She’s my superhero,” he told Lorain City Schools.
