Jacksonville Students Exhibit Heroism During Custodian’s Choking Emergency

Jacksonville Students Exhibit Courage in Life-Saving Incident

Jacksonville, Fla. – Two seventh-grade students from Cornerstone Classical Academy, Silas Olson and Sadie Salvador, are being commended for their quick response during a crisis that occurred earlier this month. The situation involved their school custodian, Magda Nieto, who began choking while eating her lunch.

What Happened

While sitting alone in the cafeteria, Magda Nieto experienced a choking incident after a piece of steak became lodged in her throat. Unable to breathe or speak, she felt panic rise within her, believing she was close to death. As Nieto struggled to find relief through water, she spared a moment to seek help from Silas and Sadie, who were in the lunch line.

When It Occurred

This life-threatening incident unfolded earlier in December, prompting swift action from the two students who witnessed Nieto’s distress. They acted on instinct, recognizing that something was seriously wrong when she approached them and gestured toward her throat.

Where the Incident Took Place

The dramatic event took place inside the cafeteria of Cornerstone Classical Academy, where students gather for meals and social interactions. The school’s environment provided the backdrop for both the emergency and its miraculous resolution.

How the Students Reacted

In a remarkable display of calm under pressure, Silas and Sadie quickly assessed the situation. “I tapped on her back the first couple of times…but then realized that was not going to work,” Silas recounted. “Then I did the Heimlich maneuver.” Sadie added, “I saw Silas go over to her and start doing the Heimlich. I was just helping by patting her on the back.” Thanks to their immediate action, Nieto was able to cough out the food obstructing her airway, allowing her to breathe once more.

Why Their Actions Matter

Following the incident, the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department recognized Silas and Sadie’s bravery by presenting each with a certificate during a special ceremony attended by their classmates and parents. Both students remain humble, rejecting the label of “hero.” Silas stated, “I feel joy that I was able to save somebody. I feel good that I actually helped.” Sadie echoed this sentiment, saying, “We were just in the right place at the right time. It had to be done.”

Expert Insight

Dr. Johnique Bennet, a family physician, emphasized the importance of remaining calm in choking situations. She provided practical advice on what to do if someone is choking. “Stay calm and call 911, even if you can’t speak. If you are choking, you can use household items to try and dislodge the object. If you see someone choking, position them properly and perform the Heimlich maneuver if necessary.”

Community Reaction

Grateful for her life-saving rescue, Nieto expresses her gratitude every time she sees the two students. “Every time that I see them in the hallways, I look at them and smile, like ‘thank you,’ because I think that is not enough to say it. They saved my life.”

This incident serves as a reminder of the vital skills and quick thinking that can make all the difference in emergency situations. Silas and Sadie are shining examples of how ordinary individuals can become extraordinary by simply being prepared and stepping up when it matters the most.