School worker's CPR training saves third-grader

WINDSOR -- When word of a student choking came to Karen Falconburg at Grandview Elementary School, there was no time to think.

Falconburg, the school's cafeteria cashier, dropped everything she was doing April 30 and rushed out to find third-grader Shea Little gasping for air. Without hesitation, she performed the Heimlich maneuver on Shea and, after four attempts, forced the large piece of meat out of her mouth.

Although she was a little shaken, Shea was OK and sent to the health room to notify her parents.

Falconburg came back to her office and took a deep breath. The tears started to flow.

"It was a very scary situation and just thinking about the what ifs -- what could have happened with her," she said.

Falconburg has been a licensed day care provider for 21 years, and just two weeks earlier had renewed her first-aid and CPR certification.

"In 21 years, I had never had to use anything that I've learned," Falconburg said. "I'm glad I was here to help. I'm glad I had just taken my class and re-certified and knew what to do."

The next day, Shea made sure to give Falconburg a big hug.

"She is really nice and I thank her," said Shea, 9.

Falconburg, who has been at the school since its inaugural year in 2003, said at first the adrenaline kicks in and then everything clicks and comes together.

"Somebody in the classes each year always ask: 'What if I come to a situation and what if I forget?' And the answer every year is always the same. 'You won't forget, you'll act and you'll just do it,' " Falconburg said. "That's exactly what happened."

Shea said she will take her time when she eats from now on.

"I think I will make my pieces smaller and look at food closer," Shea said.

News spread quickly about the lifesaving actions Falconburg performed. By Monday, she was receiving calls, gift certificates and praises from everyone in the Windsor-Severance Re-4 School District and around the community. She doesn't consider herself a hero, just someone who was there at the right time.

"I'm trying to stay humble," she said. "Shea's smiling face in the hallways of Grandview is proof that what they teach in the CPR and first aid classes really does work. I am just glad she is OK."

Grandview Principal Dave Grubbs said the fact that Falconburg does not want recognition and praise says a lot about her.

"She does not want to be called a hero and I'm appreciative of that attitude," Grubbs said. "I think that (attitude) exemplifies the teachers here. All of our staff members care about kids and they are willing to do whatever it takes to help out, whether it's tie shoes, inspire to read better or save their lives."

Grubbs said school district officials will talk about first aid and CPR trainings for staff members.

"I don't think it's one of those skills you mandate, but having people around with training is definitely something we are going to talk about," Grubbs said. "Even if it's the awareness factor or refresher courses, it's something we will talk about."

Falconburg believes it's a good idea to have at least one first aid and CPR certified worker at the school.

"That would be a positive change for next year," she said. "I've been with this school for five years and as far as I know we have never had a situation, which is pretty good, but it only takes one time."

CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) classes

The American Red Cross Centennial Chapter offers regular CPR and first-aid training courses for individuals and businesses. Call (970) 351-7779 for more information or go to www.northerncolorado.redcross.org.