Community Corner
School District CPR Training Saved Student's Life.
Thankfully, CPR trained School Security Guard Horace Townsend was in the cafeteria at Finley Middle School when a student was choking.
Because the School District requires security and custodial staff to receive CPR and First Aid training, Mr. Townsend’s skills kicked in automatically. He immediately started performing the Heimlich maneuver on the sixth grade student. After a few thrusts, the blockage in his trachea was egested.
“I was glad to have been able to jump into action and help the young man,” Townsend said. “I’m thankful that the School District provided the training that enabled me to save him. The re-certification every few years kept the skills fresh in my mind so the my immediate reaction was like second nature.”
Mr. Townsend’s adult son Matthew happened to be visiting the school that afternoon and was in the cafeteria when the incident occurred. He ran to the main office to get the nurse and other help while his father performed CPR.
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“What an honor to have saved someone’s life,” Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton said. “I’m sure this is one of the most important moments in Mr. Townsend’s life. Thankfully, he was in the right place at the right time and the Glen Cove School District requires CPR and First Aid certification.” Leg. DeRiggi-Whitton recently presented Mr. Townsend with a citation to acknowledge his bravery and live-saving skills.
