NEW WINDSOR, N.Y. — A school security officer at Vails Gait STEAM Academy saved the life of a first-grade student who was choking during lunchtime.
Surveillance footage captured the dramatic moment when Tyreek Johnson, a school monitor, performed the Heimlich maneuver on 7-year-old Liyah Ventura, who was in distress after choking on a pretzel.
School Security Officer’s Swift Action Made the Difference
The incident occurred in November when Ventura, recognizing her predicament, signaled for help using the universal choking sign. Johnson, who was not scheduled to be present in the cafeteria at the time, was giving a tour to another security officer when he noticed the emergency.
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A few seconds after the officer performing the Heimlich maneuver, “She made a noise, and I kind of knew at that moment, she could breathe again a little bit,” Johnson recounted to ABC7NY.
After successfully dislodging the obstruction, Johnson escorted Ventura to the school nurse to ensure her well-being.
Officer Previously Saved 2 Other Students Using Heimlich Maneuver
This event isn’t the first time Johnson has intervened to save a student from choking, reports WKTV. In 2023, he rescued a second-grade student, and in 2024, he successfully performed the Heimlich maneuver on a fifth-grader.
Gillian Matos, the school principal, emphasized that while all monitors are CPR-trained, the expectation is rarely that they will need to utilize these skills. Johnson’s actions, however, exemplify the critical role that trained personnel play in ensuring student safety.
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Johnson’s repeated acts of lifesaving highlight the importance of emergency preparedness in schools. While such incidents may be infrequent, they underscore the need for comprehensive training and readiness among school staff to address unexpected emergencies.
