Custodian Saves 3rd Grader's Life: 'I Probably Would Have Died!'

MEAD, Colo. (CBS4)- A custodian at a Front Range elementary school is credited with helping saving the life of a student who was choking at lunch. It happened at Mead Elementary last week.

"If he wasn't there," says 8-year-old Luc Dowen. "I probably would have died!"

Luc, a 3rd grader, learned a valuable lesson about first aid while eating lunch at school. He began choking on a bagel.

"All I could hear in my minds is… 'Get and adult, get an adult,'" said Luc.

That's when Luc tapped the school custodian, Jeff Fleiger, on the back. Fleiger immediately began the Heimlich maneuver, something he was trained to do years ago but never had to use.

"I didn't really think it was scary until Friday," said Fleiger. "The next day he (Luc) came up to me and gave me a hug."

Fleiger says that when he realized the importance of what he had done.

When asked if he has anything to say to Jeff, Luc replied with a big smile, "Just thank you."

Luc also adds that if you ever need the Heimlich, not to be afraid, "Because the adrenaline kicks in and it doesn't hurt at all!"

Staff members at Mead Elementary are all encouraged to learn first aid tools. The medical staff, coaches and front office folks are required to know it.

Jennifer Brice is a reporter with CBS4 focusing on crime and courts. Follow her on Twitter @CBS4Jenn.