Teacher Saves Student At Somersfield
Lucrecia Simmons, a teacher at Somersfield Academy, saved a choking student during the school’s Thankful Lunch.
A spokesperson said, “During what began as a joyful gathering at Somersfield Academy’s Thankful Lunch, an unexpected emergency unfolded that could have ended in tragedy—a young student began choking. However, the swift and composed actions of Lucrecia Simmons, a primary teacher at the school, turned a potentially devastating moment into one of gratitude and admiration.
“The child’s parents, along with others present, tried to assist, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Ms. Simmons acted without hesitation drawing on lifesaving skills taught to her by Steven Caines, a former firefighter and owner of Fire and Life Safety Associates. She performed back blows and abdominal thrusts, clearing the child’s airway within seconds and restoring their breathing.”
“It all happened so fast,” recounted Dennie O’Connor, a parent who was present at the event. “While everyone was panicking, Ms. Simmons was calm and in control. She knew exactly what to do and saved the child’s life in less than 15 seconds. Her training and quick thinking were remarkable.”
The parents of the child expressed their gratitude in a heartfelt email to the school. “We keep replaying the situation in our heads and will never forget how calm yet decisive Ms. Simmons was in helping our daughter without hesitation,” they wrote. “It was a very scary situation, and we are so relieved it all went well. We cannot thank Ms. Simmons enough and will never forget what she did for us.”
When asked about the incident, Ms. Simmons humbly credited her father, Wendell Simmons, a former firefighter, for instilling the importance of lifesaving knowledge. “Growing up, my dad always told me that you never know when you might need to step in and help someone,” she said. “He made sure I learned basic first aid and the abdominal thrust, and I’m so grateful for that now.”
A spokesperson added, “The family of the rescued child has donated to Somersfield Academy in Ms. Simmons’ honour. The donation will support the school’s emergency preparedness programmes, including training staff as certified First Aid instructors while maintaining regular first-aid certification for all staff.”
“This incident highlights how vital it is for educators to have emergency training,” remarked Riki Teteina, Head of School. During staff professional development Ms. Simmons was presented with a “Dedication Beyond Duty” certificate. Steven Caines and Nurse Cathy Williams were brought in to provide staff with a refresher course on basic CPR and abdominal thrusts. “We are so fortunate to have someone like Ms. Simmons at Somersfield, and we hope her actions inspire other schools to prioritise similar training.”
A spokesperson added, “The Thankful Lunch, which began as a celebration of gratitude and community, ended with a renewed appreciation for the unsung heroes among us. Thanks to Ms. Simmons’ quick action, the Somersfield community has a new reason to give thanks this holiday season.”
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