OXFORD, Ohio — When a student began choking on food at Talawanda Middle School on Jan. 15, most of his friends thought he was “goofing around.”
But one student sensed the situation wasn't a joke and jumped into action.
Michael Schwab recognized what was happening because his father, a firefighter in Reily Twp., had trained him in what to look for and what to do. When the student started turning purple he recognized that he was choking and his training kicked in, the Journal-News reports.
Schwab quickly used the Heimlich Maneuver on Alex Ross, opening his airway and allowing him to breathe again.
Superintendent Kelly Spivey called Schwab a hero at the board of education meeting Feb. 8 when Schwab and his family were on hand for the student recognition.
“We always emphasize a positive school climate of concern and caring,” Spivey said. “(Schwab) is modest and says it was just something he was taught to do. We are extremely proud.”
After Spivey spoke about Schwab’s actions, she invited him to come up on the stage so board members could shake his hand.
“The school’s theme is ‘Be Someone’s Hero.’ You’re my hero,” Spivey told him. “We are so proud of you.”
