Amazing Response Saves Choking Student at Dutchess County School

A Dutchess County school resource officer's swift actions are credited with saving a child's life during lunch at a Hudson Valley middle school.

Many of us can remember how much fun we would have during our lunch period when we were in school. Not only was it a time to eat but it was a time to socialize, catch up with friends, and have a little midday fun.

Unfortunately, lunch can also be a time of day when scary things happen like what happened at one of the middle schools in Red Hook, New York.

Child Chokes at Red Hook, NY Middle School

It all started on Thursday, March 20th during a lunch period at the Linden Avenue Middle School in Red Hook, NY. According to the Red Hook Police Department (RHPD) at approximately 12:11 p.m. a Red Hook Police Department School Resource Officer jumped into action to save a student in distress.

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Officer David Schmitz was in the school's cafeteria when he observed a student in distress. Reports state that Officer Schmitz recognized that the child was choking and immediately began performing the Heimlich maneuver. His quick actions subsequently cleared the student's obstructed airway.

School Resource Officer Saves Choking 6th Grade Student in Red Hook, NY

Once the airway was cleared, the child, who was later identified as a 12-year-old boy in the 6th grade, was quickly brought to the school nurse's office where he was evaluated. At that time it was determined that although the boy was reportedly scared, no further medical treatment was necessary.

The RHPD posted a thank you message to Officer Schmitz on its Facebook page saying, "Thank you to Officer Schmitz and the rest of our excellent SRO's for always being alert! ❤️"

This is another example of how important it is that all schools have resource officers available to assist in emergencies. Job well done!