West Orange School Staff Rescue 2 Choking Students In 1 Week

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Knowledge of the Heimlich maneuver and quick action from staff members recently saved the lives of two students in West Orange.

Two youths in the West Orange Public School District suffered choking incidents last week, administrators reported.

In the first incident, a student at Redwood Elementary School entered his classroom and collapsed at his desk, knocking over his chair and putting his hand on his chest, district administrators said.

Luckily, physical education teacher Franco Cozzolino happened to be in the classroom at the time and rushed over, performing the Heimlich maneuver on him and dislodging the food in his throat.

According to Cozzolino, the student, was “alert and breathing” and able to speak to him.

“Then we walked to the water fountain, got a drink, and we walked back to the classroom,” Cozzolino said. “I asked him how he was feeling, and he shared with me that he was fine – but scared.”

With the help of the student’s teachers, staff contacted his parents, who picked him up from school, Cozzolino added.

“Unintentional deaths such as choking are the fourth-leading cause of deaths,” Cozzolino said. “It is extremely important to learn CPR and the Heimlich maneuver. You never know when you are going to be in a real-life situation at home, school, or anywhere in the community.”

That philosophy proved its value yet again last week, when another rescue took place at West Orange High School.

During that incident, David Grant Sr., an instructional aide and strength and conditioning coach at the high school, performed the Heimlich maneuver on a student during lunch, administrators said.

Both rescues got a big round of applause from Superintendent Hayden Moore.

“I am so proud and grateful to our staff here in West Orange,” Moore said. “Their commitment to our students goes beyond the academic and extends to their safety, health, and well-being each and every day.”

• See Related: ‘Heroic’ Teacher In East Orange Saves Student, Earns Key To The City

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