Loudon County, Tenn. Teacher Recognized with Lifesaving Award for Successfully Performing Heimlich Maneuver on Choking Student

Earlier this month, Eaton Elementary first grade teacher Melinda Moroz saved the life of her student, Colby Arwood when he choked on a piece of candy during a math test. Immediately, she remembered medical training provided by Priority Ambulance that allowed her to perform the Heimlich maneuver four times before successfully dislodging the candy. Because of these efforts, Moroz was honored with a Lifesaving Award at a ceremony at Eaton Elementary School on November 1. The award was presented by Loudon County Mayor Buddy Bradshaw, Loudon County Board of Education Director Jason Vance, Eaton Elementary School Principal Ashley Talley and Priority Ambulance Loudon County EMS Director Travis Estes and Supervisor Tony Lowery. “I am very humbled, and I did what anyone else in this building would’ve done,” Moroz said. “At Loudon County Schools, we are here for the whole child. Academics are important, but our top priority is to keep our babies safe.” Priority Ambulance provides annual training sessions on first aid, CPR, the Heimlich maneuver, bleeding control and other necessary medical skills to every school in the Loudon County and Lenoir City school system.  Priority Ambulance has provided this training since becoming the emergency 9-1-1 ambulance service provider in 2015. Moroz credits this training for her actions to save Colby. “We receive a lot of training to act quickly in emergencies,” said Moroz.  “Tony Lowery of Priority Ambulance does a fantasti...
Source: JEMS Administration and Leadership - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: News Administration and Leadership Source Type: news