A Crowley ISD teacher was able to perform the Heimlich maneuver on a student who was choking during her fourth-grade class.
The 9-year-old, Sarai Ward, told WFAA she'd used her teeth to open a water bottle and accidently inhaled the cap. With the plastic top lodged in her throat, Sarai said she could not call for help.
Fortunately, Sarai's teacher, Mallorie McGlothlin, noticed the 4th-grader in distress.
"I will never forget the look that she had on her face or the color of her face," Mallorie said. "That's just embedded in my mind."
That's when the Deer Park Elementary School teacher raced from her desk and performed the Heimlich Maneuver on Sarai. On the third thrust, she said the cap flew out of the 9-year-old's mouth.
"It didn't hurt," Ward said. "It was scary, though."
Thank you Lord that Crowley ISD teachers participate in Heimlich Maneuver training each year. Mallorie credited the course with preparing her for the moment.