Crystal Lake South High School custodian saves a student’s life
CRYSTAL LAKE — Mike Cruz, a custodian who is employed at Crystal Lake South High School (1200 S McHenry Avenue), was recently recognized for being “at the right place at the right time,” according to a statement from school officials.
On the morning of Feb. 18, during fifth-hour lunch, Cruz was making his rounds and cleaning tables in the cafeteria.
Crystal Lake South High School student Alexis Bennett was eating her lunch at a table by herself after attending her P.E. class when she suddenly began to choke.
“I took my first bite and food was lodged in my throat when I swallowed. I couldn’t talk because I was choking,” said Bennett in a March 10 press release statement.
Bennett reacted quickly to the situation and calmly attempted to dislodge the food from her throat on her own. After having no luck doing so, she realized she needed to find an adult immediately.
It was at that point that Cruz was approached by Bennett, who was struggling to breathe.
“I thought she had to vomit so I grabbed a trash can and then realized she was choking. I tried to vocalize what I was going to do. I told her I was going to pat her on the back a few times and see if that helps,” said Cruz. “Nothing happened, so I said I was going to try the Heimlich. It didn’t work the first time.”
A school security officer took notice of what was happening and made a call over the radio to the school nurse and administration, alerting them that a student wasn’t breathing in the cafeteria.
Cruz performed the Heimlich maneuver a second time, which ultimately caused the food from Bennett’s throat to finally dislodge. He handed Bennett a water bottle right as the nurse and vice-principal arrived to assess the situation.
Bennett was taken to the nurse’s office to be further evaluated, while Cruz simply returned to work.
“The Heimlich didn’t hurt like I thought it would,” said Bennett. “He just helped me out when I needed him. I haven’t really seen him around and I would thank him for saving my life.”
Cruz stated that he knew what steps to take because of training he received while attending a first aid class he took before his son was born almost three years ago.
“My wife made me enroll in a class with her. It was a good thing because it stuck with me. I learned how to perform CPR and the Heimlich on an infant, toddler, and adult,” he said. “It’s one of those things that you learn, but hope you never have to use. I’m glad I took the class.”
Following the incident, Bennett said that she’s doing well and that she is proud of herself for not panicking and getting help quickly.
“It’s really important to find someone who can help because you’re going to need help,” she said.
