Crystal Lake South custodian saves student from choking

Mike Cruz, a custodian at Crystal Lake South High School, saved a student from choking on Feb. 18 by successfully performing the Heimlich maneuver, Crystal Lake-based Community High School District 155 said in news release.

The incident took place during fifth-hour lunch period when Cruz was making his rounds and cleaning tables in the cafeteria, according to the news release. Freshman Alexis Bennett was sitting alone, eating lunch, when she began to choke.

“I took my first bite and food was lodged in my throat when I swallowed,” Bennett told the district. “I couldn’t talk because I was choking.”

Bennett stood up, trying to dislodge the food herself, and after realizing she was struggling to breathe, she approached Cruz.

“I thought she had to vomit so I grabbed a trash can,” Cruz said in the release. “Then I realized she was choking.”

When a few pats on the back did nothing, Cruz told Bennett he was going to try the Heimlich, according to the release. It didn’t work the first time, prompting a school security officer on the scene to call the school nurse and administration.

But when Cruz performed the Heimlich a second time, the food came out, according to the release.

“The Heimlich didn’t hurt like I thought it would,” Bennett told the district. “He just helped me out when I needed him. I haven’t really seen him around, but I would thank him for saving my life.”

Cruz is set to be recognized with a plaque at the Community High School District 155 board meeting Tuesday night, district spokeswoman Shannon Podzimek said.

Cruz said he knew what to do because of training from a first-aid class he took before his son was born almost three years ago, according to the release.