As reported by TheCabin.net.
It was hot dog day in the cafeteria at Bob Courtway Middle School in Conway, Ark. A young man approached a table of adults, reportedly making strange noises and gestures with his hands. When no one understood, he walked away.
Tim Boyd, Sr., school custodian, was at a table in the busy lunchroom as more than 300 seventh- and eighth-graders ate their lunches.
Bob Courtway Principal Karen Lasker said that this was the time that Tim Boyd saw the young man enter the hallway, which is not allowed without permission at the lunch hour.
"The student started walking down the hallway. When they do that, custodians stop them. Mr. Boyd watched him; he saw him going into the bathroom. He started wobbling," Lasker said.
Lasker said that Boyd left his seat and followed the student to see if he was sick or needed help.
"The student tried to go into the restroom. When he did get in, he fell to his knees, grabbing his throat. Tears were going down his face," said Lasker.
It was more than quick thinking that led Boyd to perform the Heimlich maneuver on the student. Boyd has, to the relief of one young man, received emergency medical technician training, and spent 12 years at the McGee, Ark., fire department.
Three thrusts, Lasker said, and "it all went flying out."
Boyd said that the young man's eyes were rolling back in his head, and he appeared to be losing consciousness when he removed the obstruction from the student's throat.
"Of course the boy started crying then, thanking him," said Lasker. "He was always a real quiet boy, and still is."
Boyd asked the young man questions to see if he was aware of his surroundings. He replied that he did know, and was escorted to the nurse's office. He was able to finish the day at school.
Since the incident, Boyd has received accolades at a school staff meeting and at the district's school board meeting.
"A young man is walking around today because of you," Lasker said to Boyd at December's board meeting. "We're grateful to have someone like you on our staff."
Lasker said she had no idea that Boyd possessed the qualifications that helped save the student.
"I've been thanking him every day. He saved that boy's life. We wouldn't have found him until another kid walked in, which would have been tragic," she said.
Superintendent Dr. Greg Murry also commended Boyd's actions.
"It was a blessing, if you will, that someone was there for the student who was trained enough to react appropriately. It was a blessing that he was there," Murry said.
Boyd said he never thought he would use his training in the school system, "but you never know when you will need it. Fortunately I was able to do that. I'm just glad that I did follow the kid to the restroom."
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