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Teacher saves P'edge student in choking incident
"I started chewing and the cheese from my mozzarella stick got caught in my throat," said Penner. His friends, as well as teacher David Savage, noticed that something was wrong and Savage called teacher Michael Vitale, who was also in the lunch room. Vitale ran over thinking that a fight had broken out in the cafeteria. Once he saw Penner, Vitale immediately knew something was seriously wrong and that every second counted. He grabbed Penner and immediately administered the Heimlich ma- neuver. It took approximately six or seven attempts, but eventually Vitale was able to clear Penner's throat and open his airway. "I was real scared," said Penner recalling the incident. The student was taken to the nurse's office and checked for injuries. When it was apparent that nothing was wrong, he was sent home for the day. Vitale explained he was quick to respond to the situation as a result of his training. Every year, teachers are required to take a class on emergency procedures such as the Heimlich maneuver to prepare for situations like the one on June 6. On June 14, Vitale was honored by N.C. Leg. Dave Mejias at the district's board meeting. Mejias gave Vitale a certificate declaring June 14 Michael Vitale Day in Nassau County. "I was shocked because I didn't really think it was a big thing," said Vitale. "I was just doing my job." Penner doesn't see it that way. Vitale is no longer just a teacher he sees in the hallways of Plainedge Middle School or in the classroom. He is someone he looks up to and respects.
"Thanks for saving my life and I owe you one," he told Vitale.
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