Teacher Rescues Student with Heimlich Maneuver
David Roach of Greenville Middle Academy: social studies teacher, coach, first responder, and now a hero. During the first shift of Greenville Middle Academy's 8th grade lunch, Turner Hayes approached the teachers' table in distress. It took the teachers a moment to realize what was happening because the student was unable to communicate verbally—he was red-faced and teary-eyed. Turner was choking.
There was half a second of confusion and panic, but fortunately there were two first responders seated among the teachers. Mr. David Roach reacted calmly, quickly, and heroically, rushing around the table to engage the student in the Heimlich maneuver. It took Mr. Roach several tries to dislodge the obstruction, and during this time, the 8th graders of GMA did an excellent job remaining seated and calm.
Afterward, Turner was understandably shaken, but otherwise fine. He checked in with the school nurse, and then returned to the cafeteria to collect his things. He walked in to a round of thunderous applause from the student body, equal parts joy at seeing him well, and gratitude to Mr. Roach, whose quick, decisive action saved the day.