Hillcrest Hero Saves Life of Choking Peekskill Student

This Thanksgiving, Alex Loja, a fifth grader at Hillcrest Elementary School, had something particularly special to be grateful for. On Thursday, November 18, Playground/Cafeteria Monitor Lynn Riccio noticed that Loja was choking on a piece of food during his third period lunch. Thanks to her quick thinking and first aid skills, Riccio was able to save the young man’s life by administering the Heimlich maneuver.

Riccio has been employed with the Peekskill City School District for three years. She received her first aid training from Peekskill Middle School nurse Susan Callahan in July of 2014.

When asked to recall the day, Riccio notes that everything happened very quickly.

“I saw the children talking to [Alex], but his head was down on the table and he wasn’t responding. I went over to ask him what was the matter and I spoke to him several times, but he wouldn’t lift up his head to speak with me. I got down on my hands and knees to look at him and I turned his face towards me. That’s when I noticed his face was red as a beet, his eyes were slightly fixated and his mouth was open.”

Right away Riccio realized what was happening and sprang into action. After radioing the main office for an ambulance, Riccio began the Heimlich maneuver.

“I just got up behind him and picked him up and began [the Heimlich maneuver], and after about two or three lunges the food came out,” Riccio said.

Loja began to breath immediately once the food was dislodged from his airway. He recalls the experience as “scary,” and says he remembers feeling a little dizzy. He also says that he and his fellow students have learned a lot from this experience, including how to use sign language to indicate to others if they are choking.

“And I’ll never talk while I’m eating again,” Loja added.

Realizing how lucky he was that Mrs. Riccio came to his rescue, Loja says he is thankful that she was there to save him.

“I want to say thank you so much to Mrs. Lynn,” Loja said. “Thank you for being my hero.”

“Being trained in these skills, it’s something that I never thought I’d use,” Riccio said. “You just never know.”

“We’re glad Mrs. Riccio was here in the right place at the right time,” said Hillcrest Principal Jacqueline Liburd. “She quickly realized something was wrong out of her concern and her caring and those are the types of people we have here at Peekskill. We’re very proud of her.”

On Friday, Peekskill Superintendent Dr. David Fine joined Principal Liburd in honoring Riccio with a bouquet of roses and a letter of thanks.

“Mrs. Riccio’s actions are a real indication of the work we’re doing here in Peekskill- to say that we all are first responders during emergency and safety situations,” said Peekskill Superintendent Dr. David Fine. “Luckily, Mrs. Riccio was able to use her skills to save the life of one of our young students. We cannot thank her enough.”