CUSTODIAN AT CORA SPENCER ELEMENTARY SAVES LIFE
During lunch at Cora Spencer Elementary School on
Jan . 24 , a second-grade student was choking . Silvia Gonzalez , a custodian from Mansfield ISD , stepped in and performed the Heimlich Maneuver . With her swift thinking , she was able to help the student breathe again .
Sheri Roe , the nurse at Cora Spencer , said that she made her way to the cafeteria as fast as she could . When she arrived , the second grader had already dislodged the chip she was choking on , thanks to Gonzalez .
“ I just want to thank her for stepping in . It could have gone south very quickly and I ’ m just glad she was there .”
Gonzalez , who started with Mansfield ISD in September , was celebrated for her heroic act with a gift basket and certificate of recognition from the Mansfield ISD Facilities and Operations Department on Feb . 9 .
“ Other than the girl being shaken up and scared , she was okay , thankfully ,” said Roe . Roe called Gonzalez a hero and said that not many people would know what to do in that situation .
Gonzalez said this was the second time she had to use the Heimlich Maneuver on someone , with her own daughter being the first about four years ago . When asked how she knew what to do , she explained that her daughter was studying to be a paramedic years ago and , while learning how to do the Heimlich Maneuver , Gonzalez ’ s daughter taught her the proper procedures .
Upon speaking with the student ’ s mom , she said she was shocked when she heard what happened . The mom stated ,
Silvia Gonazalez is recognized by her peers for her heroic action at Cora Spencer Elementary School .
Access resources for your child ’ s physical and emotional safety through This is Our House . Learn more at www . mansfieldisd . org / ourhouse .
23 MANSFIELDTODAY