Stillaguamish Valley Learning Center second grade teacher Tennessy Fraumeni was recognized on Oct. 28 with the Civilian Phoenix Award from the North County Regional Fire Authority for saving a student’s life last spring.

On May 28, second grader Naomi Brock was drinking from a water bottle when she began choking on the bottle cap that became lodged in her throat. Mrs. Fraumeni immediately began doing the Heimlich maneuver on Naomi. The Heimlich maneuver is a first aid procedure used to clear an upper-airway obstruction. After two minutes, she heard gagging and was able to sweep Naomi’s airway and dislodge the bottle cap.

“There are no warning signs for choking; there’s no sound,” said Mrs. Fraumeni. “Another student said that Naomi needs help. When I saw Naomi grasping her throat, I knew what to do. I had just completed ACT first aid training with North County Fire so I was prepared and didn’t panic. I sent students to the office to call 911 and started doing the Heimlich maneuver on Naomi.”

Naomi credits her teacher with saving her life.

“I’m really glad that she knew what to do,” said Naomi. “I want to be a nurse when I grow up!”

North County Regional Fire Authority offers free one-hour “ACT to Save a Life” training that includes Antidote (Narcan) Administration, CPR & AED Basics, and Tourniquet Application. Information can be found on the North County Fire website at this link: https://www.northcountyfireems.com/community-programs/act-to-save-a-life-community-classes