Jason Williamson
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FOLLANSBEE — Brooke County school officials are recognizing a teacher at Brooke Intermediate North for saving the life of a pupil through his knowledge of first aid.
Jason Williamson, a health and physical education instructor at the school, confirmed he applied the Heimlich maneuver after observing a boy choking in the cafeteria on Wednesday morning.
Brooke County Superintendent of Schools Jeff Crook said there are plans to recognize, at a future school board meeting, Williamson and a fellow pupil who called attention to the boy, whose name hasn’t been released to protect his privacy.
Williamson said after hearing someone shout that the boy was choking, he found him clutching at his throat, his face red.
Williamson said following first aid training he has received as a lifeguard instructor, he struck the boy several times in the upper back with the palm of his hand and thrust his fists upward between his bellybutton and ribcage multiple times in an effort to dislodge food stuck in his throat.
Asked later what he remembered about the incident, Williamson said he experienced a kind of “tunnel vision” as he attempted to help the boy.
“It was a total fog. It was just me and him,” said Williamson. He added he was quite aware of the color of the boy’s face, watching for it to turn purple or blue, which would indicate his airway was completely blocked.
“It stayed red, thank God,” he said.
Williamson said he was relieved when finally, the boy gagged, forcing the food out.
He said the boy was then evaluated by the school nurse and his parents were contacted. The boy said he wanted to remain at school and did so, he said.
Williamson noted it’s not the first time he was called upon to perform the Heimlich maneuver to a pupil.
He said about 10 years ago, he used it to help a pupil at Colliers Primary School, but it had required less effort, which caused him more than a little concern when it took longer on Wednesday.
Williamson said after the boy was attended to, he needed to cool off a bit himself.
“I had to leave the room and just sit down by myself for a little bit,” he said.
But he said he’s happy to have been able to help in both cases and believes everyone should receive such first aid instruction.
Williamson said some people never have to use it, but everyone faces the possibility of encountering a choking victim at one time or another.
He said he learned the procedure and other first aid skills for certification as a lifeguard instructor.
Williamson said during the last several years, he has attended classes held by the American Red Cross every two years to maintain his certification.
Crook said, “We’re very thankful that Jason was not only trained but also acted very swiftly.”
He said all staff members are required to undergo training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use of an automated external defibrillator, a device designed to administer an electric shock to those suffering from a heart attack.
“We have excellent staff. They’re going to do whatever they can to take care of these kids,” said Crook.