CARMEL – Jeanine Lopez was at the right place at the right time and as a result, the paraprofessional at Carmel’s Matthew Paterson Elementary School saved the life of a fourth grader during his lunch break when the nine-year-old began choking, panicked, jumped from his seat in the school cafeteria and began to run.
Lopez, who was in the lunchroom at the time managed to grab Ethan, while keeping her cool, administered the Heimlich maneuver. The first thrust of her clenched fist did nothing. She then performed a second, and a third. On the fourth thrust to the boy’s upper abdomen, the piece of the mozzarella stick Ethan had been eating popped out. He could breathe again. She had saved his life.
Lopez is a member of Matthew Paterson’s Safety Team in addition to being certified in CPR, first aid, AED, Narcan emergency and the Heimlich maneuver.
“There is nothing I wouldn’t do to help a child in any emergency. As a paraprofessional you must always be mindful of your environment and student’s needs,” she said. “My advice to anyone who works with children is to be trained in emergency situations because the more you are informed and trained, the better you are prepared. My recommendation to others is to remain calm, trust your training, and act quickly.”
The school’s principal, Jennifer Darling, commended her staff member. “In a moment that could have ended very differently, Jeanine acted with calm, courage, and quick thinking. When a student was in danger, she didn’t hesitate—she stepped in and performed the Heimlich maneuver, saving that child’s life. Because of her training, her bravery and her willingness to act, a child went home safely that day. We are beyond grateful and proud to have Jeanine Lopez as part of our school community. Thank you for being a true lifesaving hero.”
Carmel Superintendent of Schools Michael Plotkin commended Lopez as well with a Certification of Recognition acknowledging that “Jeanine Lopez has been recognized for her dedication and outstanding care for the children of the Carmel Central School District.”