Third-grader saved by classmates and teacher after choking on chip at school
By Cheyenne Corin
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NORWOOD, Pennsylvania (WPVI) — An 8-year-old student at Norwood Intermediate School is thanking his classmates and teacher for coming to his rescue after choking.
“I was looking forward to eating my chips, and the chip went sideways, and it got stuck in my throat,” Damian Pascale, a third-grade student, said.
On Tuesday, Pascale was eating a salt-and-vinegar chip at lunch when his friends noticed something wasn’t right.
“I was looking at him; his face was all red,” said Jaxson Chin, a third-grade student.
Jaxson and two classmates, also friends of Damian, acted quickly.
“I went to go pat his back, then I told the other kids to go get the teacher,” Jaxson said.
“I was looking for a teacher, and I ran over, and I was panicking and told her Damian needs help, and Lincoln said he’s choking,” said Hunter Shields, another third-grade student.
Health and Physical Education teacher Tara Vaughn, who was on lunch duty nearby, responded immediately.
“I ran over, quickly assessed the situation. Tried to ask Damian some questions, and he wasn’t able to answer me, so I immediately knew he was choking,” Vaughn said.
She then performed the Heimlich maneuver.
“I didn’t want to scare him anymore, but I knew that’s what needed to be done in a minute to get that chip dislodged from his throat,” Vaughn said.
Vaughn said it is a skill she teaches her eighth-grade students, but she had never used it in her 24-year career.
“Thankful that she could do it,” said Lincoln Thomas, a third-grade student.
“I feel good, and I feel thankful for them and my teacher,” Damian said.
Damian later presented Vaughn with flowers at school as a thank you. School leaders also recognized the students’ quick actions, presenting them with a “superhero award.”
After the incident, Damian said he just wanted to return to class. He has since eaten chips again, but his family has told him to take smaller bites.
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