Commack school monitor uses Heimlich maneuver to save choking third grader
School district officials say it happened during lunch time for two third-grade classes.
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A school monitor saved a choking boy by using the Heimlich maneuver in the Commack School District on Monday.
It's the second time a choking child was saved by a monitor in the district.
Rhonda Vladimir says she sprang into action when Matteo Falk, a third grader at Sawmill Intermediate School, choked on a piece of cheese.
“I go behind him, start performing the Heimlich maneuver, and luckily, after two or three thrusts, whatever was dislodged came out and luckily, he was OK,” said Vladimir.
School district officials say it happened during lunch time for two third-grade classes.
The monitors saw Matteo giving the universal sign for choking, hands clutching the throat.
“My mom showed me how to do it,” said Matteo.
In a pure coincidence, his friend was saved when another school monitor in the district used the Heimlich maneuver - a story News 12 reported on in March.
Matteo then told his mother after school.
“I’m so grateful for the staff, that we have our amazing families that are talking to our children at home about this,” said Jordan Cox, superintendent of the Commack School District.
This is the second life that Vladimir saved using the Heimlich.
Twenty years ago, she performed the maneuver on her 3-year-old son.
“He started choking and the same thing, the adrenaline kicked in,” said Vladimir.
She also said there will always be a bond between Matteo and her.
“He’s an adorable, darling little boy and every time I see him at lunch time, yes, it's very emotional for me," she says.
School officials say all district employees undergo annual training to prevent choking incidents.
Earlier this year, anti-choking devices were added throughout the district.
