Genesee teacher saves student who was choking

For the second time this school year, an Auburn educator performed emergency first aid to help a student who was choking.

Last fall, Auburn Junior High School Dean of Students Allison Teachout assisted a student who was choking on a cookie during lunch.

Last month, Genesee Elementary School fourth-grade teacher Holly Signor used her first aid training on a student who had swallowed a bottle cap during a field trip. Genesee’s fourth-graders were visiting the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse last month when Signor saw a student who looked terrified. 

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ignor said the way he lunged at her with his hands around his throat, she immediately knew he was choking.

“It all happened very quickly, I realized he couldn't breathe,” she said.

Signor rushed over to him and started to perform abdominal thrusts (also known as the Heimlich Maneuver). The student started coughing which Signor said was a good sign that showed he was able to breathe. She asked him if he was able to breathe, which he confirmed.

“My biggest concern was, did I hurt him in the process of doing the Heimlich or hitting his back,” Signor said. “Because you have to use quite a bit of force, and he's a fourth-grade boy. I double checked and made sure that his ribs felt OK, that his throat was OK.”

The student started crying after realizing what had happened.

“I needed to let him know it was OK,” she said, “the most important thing was that he was OK.”

Signor spoke to the other students on how this experience was a lesson.

“It was a bit of a wake-up call,” she said. “I think for a few of them they say, ‘oh, my actions can have real consequences.’”

Signor said people told her the student was fortunate and that she knew first aid.

“Most of the reactions from people that I’ve heard have been, ‘thank goodness that happened with you there. I don't know if I would have known what to do or I don't know if I could.’ I think when you're in the moment, you have no choice.”

“Her knowledge and quick thinking are to be commended,” said Genesee Principal MaryClaire Pineau. “Bravo, Holly! We are so thankful for you!”  

Signor was awarded the "Superhero Certificate" by the Auburn school board and administration for her courageous action. After what happened, she recertified her first-aid training so she’s even better prepared for an emergency, because you never know when you may need to act quickly to save someone.

Christopher Sciria / Auburn Enlarged City School District Public Information Specialist