Fourth-grader spots choking classmate in cafeteria, puts lesson from dad to good use
By MIKE GLENN
HOUSTON CHRONICLE
Via: chron.com
The Klein ISD fourth-grader may not have known the exact name for the life-saving procedure, but 10-year-old Tyler Hudson certainly knew how to use the Heimlich Maneuver to save a choking classmate.
And news of his heroism Wednesday at Frank Elementary would be broadcast during afternoon announcements at the school that afternoon, along with a message from the girl whose life he saved.
“The announcement was about, ‘Thank you for saving my life. You’re a true friend,’ ” Tyler recalled Thursday.
The youngster learned what he called “the Hammer” while roughhousing at home with his dad, Houston firefighter Rodney Hudson. It’s a move that replicates the Heimlich Maneuver.
Tyler was was sitting in the school cafeteria when he saw the 9-year-old girl suddenly start jumping up and down and flailing her arms. Then he saw her slump back into her seat.
“She wasn’t moving any part of her body,” he said Thursday. “Her mouth was wide open, I just figured that she was choking.”
Tyler moved behind the girl, wrapped his arms around her abdomen and squeezed three times, dislodging a Cheeto that had gotten stuck in her throat.
Seconds later, the girl could breathe again.
School staffers were in the cafeteria, but the incident was already over by the time they made it to the table. The girl, who was checked out by the school nurse, was shaken and upset but required no further medical attention.
Parents proud, thankful
School officials praised Tyler’s swift actions in the cafeteria.
“He knew exactly what to do, which was great. It really saved the day,” said Principal Eve Messina, who called Tyler a “responsible, reliable young man.”
His parents are indeed proud.
“He’s always had really good instincts,” mom Christina Hudson said.
The girl’s parents were notified about what happened, and relayed a message of thanks to Tyler’s parents through the school principal‘s office.
Hug from a hero
“They were very appreciative of what Tyler did for their daughter,” Hudson said.
Wednesday afternoon, Tyler gave his mother a big hug when she picked him up at school.
“He said, ‘I saved someone’s life!’ ” Hudson said. “It was pretty amazing.”
