School Worker Saves Student With Heimlich
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A West Middle School food service manager said she was just doing what she was trained to do when she saw a student was in trouble. A scary scene unfolded in West Middle School’s cafeteria Tuesday afternoon when Gail Harden noticed a commotion. “At first I thought they were just playing,” said West Middle School Food Service Manager Gail Harden. “And then after I saw he grabbed for his throat, I knew it was a serious situation.” Sixth grader Jabari Murphy was choking. “At first I thought I was about to die, but then she kept holding me and patting me on the back,” said Murphy. “After I saw that was not going to do it, then I started the Heimlich Maneuver,” said Harden. The Heimlich is a skill Harden said she learned during in-service training required by Jackson-Madison County School System. She has been a part of the school system for 24 years. “We’re just real blessed that Ms. Harden was trained by the cafeteria staff ,” said West Middle School Principal Ricky Catlett. “Our teachers are certified in CPR too, so those trainings paid off.” It was only one month ago that West Middle School reduced its cafeteria numbers from 170 students per lunch period to around 60. It was Tuesday that the rescheduling paid off. “You never know what can happen in a school day,” said Catlett. “Yesterday could have been a terrible tragedy that would happen, but we had a staff member that made and action and saved somebody’s life.” “It feels great,” said Harden. “It feels great because I love the kids. I’ve been in this system not because it’s making me rich, but because I love the kids.” Jabari is doing just fine after the incident, and said he owes Ms. Harden a big hug.
