Choking Preschooler Saved By NJ Teacher’s Assistant

MANCHESTER, NJ — Jo-Ann Delahanty spends her days as a teacher's assistant helping preschool students at Ridgeway Elementary School learn lessons about math and reading and how to work with other students.

On Friday, Delahanty helped a student in a way she never imagined: saving the child's life.

The students were in the classroom eating lunch, which is where preschool students have their lunch, Delahanty said.

As she was watching over the students, one girl "kind of gave me a look," and Delahanty realized something was wrong.

"I asked her if she was OK and she shook her head no," Delahanty said, and the girl put her hand to her throat to show she was choking. She went to the girl and helped her stand and performed the Heimlich maneuver.

"Three thrusts and the item popped out onto the table," Delahanty said. Now able to breathe, the girl started to cry.

"She was scared," Delahanty said. "I hugged her and asked her if she wanted a drink of water."

While Delahanty was helping the child, the classroom teacher called the nurse and the school's principal, Sarah Thiffault, who called the girl's parents.

"They immediately responded to provide help," said Dina Silvestri, the district's public information officer. "The team effort really is incredible."

"Mrs. Pedroza (district superintendent Diane Pedroza) talks over and over about how it takes a village. At every single level from classroom staff to administration, we are supporting your children, their safety, their security, and their families," Silvestri said.

Delahanty, who said her training in CPR and emergency response kicked in when the girl was choking, said she was focused on the girl and her needs in the moment, and for the rest of the day just kept herself busy working in the classroom, though Thiffault offered her the opportunity take breaks as needed.

"I didn't want to go to that point of being upset," she said.

"We are incredibly thankful for the quick-thinking and caring response of Ms. Delahanty," Thiffault said. "Her calm actions made all the difference, and we are so relieved that the student is safe."

"This response by all staff involved exemplifies the high level of preparedness and dedication we strive for in our school community and the heart our staff show every day for the well-being of our children," Thiffault said.

"We are deeply grateful to Ms. Delahanty for her quick thinking and calm response, which reflects both her personal dedication and the strong training our staff receive to ensure student safety," Pedroza said. "Thanks to her commitment and professionalism, a frightening situation had a safe outcome, and Manchester is proud to count her among our own."

"I was really, really relieved that I was able to help the child," Delahanty said. "I would do it all again."