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Grandview staff member helps student after choking
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Grandview Elementary cashier, Karen Falconburg (left) and third-grader Shea Little (right) pose together Monday at the school. Falconburg performed the Heimlich Maneuver while Shea was choking on a piece of meat April 30 at the school.
Jennifer Moore
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Jennifer Moore, (Bio) jmoore@mywindsornow.com
May 7, 2008
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When the word of a student choking echoed to Karen Falconburg at Grandview Elementary School, there was no time to think.
Falconburg, the school's cashier in the cafeteria, dropped everything she was doing April 30 and rushed out to find third-grader Shea Little gasping for air. Without hesitation, she gave Shea the Heimlich maneuver and forced the large piece of meat out of her mouth after four attempts.
Although a little shaken, Shea was OK and sent to the health room to notify her parents.
Falconburg came back to her office, took a deep breath and tears started to flow.
"It was a very scary situation and just thinking about the what ifs -- what could have happened with her," she said.
Falconburg has been a licensed daycare provider for 21 years, and two weeks ago she had just renewed her first aid and CPR certification.
"In 21 years I had never had to use anything that I've learned," Falconburg said. "I'm glad I was here to help. I'm glad I had just taken my class and re-certified and knew what to do."
The next day, Shea made sure to give Falconburg a great, big hug.
"She is really nice and I thank her," Shea, 9, said.
Falconburg, who has been at the school since its inaugural year in 2003, said at first the adrenaline kicks in and then everything clicks and comes together.
"Somebody in the classes each year always ask: 'What if I come to a situation and what if I forget?' And the answer every year is always the same. 'You won't forget, you'll act and you'll just do it,' " Falconburg said. "That's exactly what happened."
Shea said she will take her time when she eats from now on.
"I think I will make my pieces smaller and look at food closer," Shea said.
News spread quickly about the lifesaving actions Falconburg performed and by Monday she was receiving calls, gift certificates and praises from everyone in the Windsor-Severance Re-4 School District and around the community. But, she doesn't consider herself a hero, just someone who was there at the right time.
"I'm trying to stay humble," she said. "Shea's smiling face in the hallways of Grandview is proof that what they teach in the CPR and first aid classes really does work. I am just glad she is OK."
Grandview principal Dave Grubbs said the fact that Falconburg does not want recognition and praise says a lot about her in general.
"Karen is really downplaying this which speaks highly of her character. She does not want to be called a hero and I'm appreciative of that attitude," Grubbs said. "I think that (attitude) exemplifies the teachers here. All of our staff members care about kids and they are willing to do whatever it takes to help out, whether it's tie shoes, inspire to read better or save their lives."
After the choking incident, Grubbs said the school district will talk about first aid and CPR trainings for staff members.
"I don't think it's one of those skills you mandate, but having people around with training is definitely something we are going to talk about," Grubbs said. "Even if it's the awareness factor or refresher courses, it's something we will talk about."
Falconburg believes it's a good idea to have at least one first aid and CPR certified worker at the school.
"That would be a positive change for next year," she said. "I've been with this school for five years and as far as I know we have never had a situation, which is pretty good, but it only takes one time."
Breakout: Relief of Choking in Children
Signs of Choking occurs when something blocks the airway. When the airway is completely blocked, the child cannot breathe. Choking can be a frightening emergency. But if you act quickly, you can help the child breathe.
If the child can speak or cough loudly, the child's airway is only partly blocked. You should not try to open the airway. If you are worried about the child's breathing, call 911.
Signs of choking in the child with a completely blocked airway are
-- The child suddenly begins to cough, gag, or have high-pitched, noisy breathing
-- An older child may make the choking sign (holding the neck with one or both hands)
-- The child has bluish lips or skin
Actions to Relieve Choking in a Child
When a child is choking and can't breathe or speak, you must give abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich maneuver). The Heimlich maneuver pushes air from the child's lungs like a cough. This can help remove the blocking object. You should give abdominal thrusts until the object is forced out or the victim becomes unresponsive.
1. If you think a child is choking, ask the child "Are you choking?" If he nods, tell him you are going to help.
2. Kneel or stand firmly behind him and wrap your arms around him so that your hands are in front.
3. Make a fist with one hand.
4. Put the thumb side of your fist slightly above the navel (belly button) and well below the breastbone.
5. Grasp the fist with your other hand and give quick upward thrusts into his abdomen.
6. Give thrusts until the object is forced out and he can breathe, cough, or talk or until he stops responding.
If the choking is not relieved, the child will become unresponsive. When the child becomes unresponsive, shout for help, lower the child to the ground, and start CPR. If someone else is present, send that person to call 911 while you start CPR.
CPR
The steps of CPR of the child who has become unresponsive after choking are the same, with one addition.
1. Yell for help. If someone comes, send that person to phone your emergency response number (or 911) and get the AED if available.
2. Lower the victim to the ground, faceup. If you are alone with the child victim, start the steps of CPR.
3. Every time you open the airway to give breaths, open the victim's mouth wide and look for the object. If you see an object, remove it with your fingers. If you do not see an object, keep giving sets of 30 compressions and two breaths until an AED arrives, the victim starts to move, or trained help takes over.
4. After about five cycles or two minutes, if you are alone, leave the child victim to call your emergency response number (or 911) and get the AED if available.
Chest compressions may force the object out. If you are alone with the child and these steps don't work after about one minute, phone 911.
Source: American Heart Association
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