'My Instincts Kicked In': Johns Creek Principal Saves Student's Life During Lunch

JOHNS CREEK, GA — When a sixth-grade boy started choking on a grape during lunchtime last Thursday, a Taylor Road Middle School assistant principal swiftly stepped in and saved the day.

“My instincts just kicked in,” said sixth-grade assistant principal Ron Huggins, who performed the Heimlich maneuver.

He said that was his first time doing it in his 29 years of working in education. Early that morning Huggins had observed a health class’s CPR training for students. He was able to put the knowledge to use 30 minutes later.

“I was walking around the cafeteria when some kids ran up to me and said, ‘Mr. Huggins, a kid is choking,’ and I’m glad they did,” he said. “The kid was standing up and I could see visibly that he was trying to do something to his throat as the fluid was coming out.”

He said he remained calm, even though it was a “scary experience.” About 200 students were gathered around to watch, Huggins said.

It took a little over a minute to dislodge the grape, but Huggins said it felt much longer.

“It was scary for me and I know it was scary for him,” he said. “When we walked back in the cafeteria all the students were clapping and happy to see both of us walk back in, especially him.”

The student went home early, Huggins said, adding that he called his mother later that evening to check on him. He returned the next day in good spirits.

“He’s a happy go-lucky kid and I see him every day," Huggins said, "I told him ‘No more grapes.’”

Taylor Road Middle School Assistant Administrator Leslie Baker said the entire school is thankful for Huggins “quick reaction.”

“We are grateful for Mr. Huggins’ expert handling of this potentially disastrous situation,” she said in an email.