MANCHESTER – It is often said that educators not only influence their students but, in some cases are lifesavers. Recently, a teacher’s assistant literally saved the life of a township student.
What began as a typical Friday morning at Ridgeway Elementary School quickly turned extraordinary when Teacher’s Assistant Jo-Ann Delahanty saved a student’s life during the school’s lunch period.
While actively monitoring and assisting preschool students with their lunches, Delahanty noticed one child’s eyes were wide and in visible panic. Acting immediately, she asked if the child was all right and when the student shook their head “no,” and then grabbed their neck to signal they were choking, she quickly guided the child to stand and performed the Heimlich maneuver.
After three abdominal thrusts, the food obstruction was dislodged, and the child began to cry and speak again. During the emergency, the classroom teacher promptly contacted the school nurse, who swiftly provided a full medical assessment as the child’s parents were notified and made their way to the school.
Delahanty, who has served in the Manchester Township School District for 16 years, credited her ability to respond quickly, calmly, and effectively to the CPR and emergency response trainings offered by the district.
“The training just kicked in,” she said, emphasizing how the preparation provided by MTSD’s certified staff gave her the confidence and skills, through professional development training, to act instinctively in a critical moment.
Delahanty shared that “the first time I was ever exposed to a CPR & First Aid Certification Course was when I was a Girl Scout in elementary school. I have taken every professional development offered to me thereafter, which acts as a welcome refresher.”
“These skills are ones that have stuck with me for a lifetime and, although I have never used the Heimlich maneuver on a student or anyone before Friday, I am so grateful to have those skills in my toolbox,” Delahanty added.
As the crisis was unfolding, “I just reacted. I looked at the child, I saw that the student was in distress, and jumped into action,” she said.
“We are incredibly thankful for the quick-thinking and caring response of Delahanty, who performed the Heimlich maneuver when a student began choking. Her calm actions made all the difference, and we are so relieved that the student is safe,” Ridgeway Elementary Principal Sarah Thiffault said.
“This response by all staff involved exemplifies the high level of preparedness and dedication we strive for in our school community and the heart our staff show every day for the well-being of our children,” Thiffault added praising Delahanty’s actions.
Superintendent Diane Pedroza said, “we are deeply grateful to Ms. Delahanty for her quick thinking and calm response, which reflects both her personal dedication and the strong training our staff receive to ensure student safety. Thanks to her commitment and professionalism, a frightening situation had a safe outcome, and Manchester is proud to count her among our own.”
“This incident is a powerful reminder of the importance of training, preparedness, and the unwavering dedication of school staff. Thanks to Ms. Delahanty’s decisive actions and the coordinated response of Ridgeway Elementary’s team, a potentially tragic moment turned into a story of safety, compassion, and heroism that reflects the very best of Manchester Township Schools and our district motto, Excellence by Example,” Pedroza added.
