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Corona-Norco honors Garretson staff and student after choking incident saved by Heimlich maneuver
Summary
The board recognized Garretson Elementary staff and a student whose quick action and Heimlich maneuver by a custodian rescued a choking fourth-grader; the district said the response shows return on investment in emergency training.
The Corona-Norco Unified School District recognized staff and a student from Garretson Elementary whose quick action and emergency training helped save a fourth-grade scholar who began choking during lunch on Aug. 26.
Gary Knutson, the district’s administrative director of safety and security, credited emergency-preparedness training—CPR, first aid and "stop the bleed"—with enabling staff to respond quickly. Principal Maria Cortez detailed the incident: a student (Robert Hernandez) alerted staff, supervisor Margarita Sorto radioed for help, and custodian Ivan Armas performed the Heimlich maneuver and dislodged the food.
"If it were not for Roberto's, Miss Margarita's quick action, and Mister Armas' courage and persistence, we fear that the outcome could have been very different," Cortez said.
The board invited staff and student heroes forward, thanked them publicly and took photos. Board members praised the culture of preparedness and the district’s investment in training, calling the event an example of how routine emergency training can save lives.
The recognition acknowledged both individual bravery and the district’s broader emergency-response systems, which the district said include an emergency operations center that activates to coordinate communication and response in crises.
The board did not indicate further action beyond recognition; district leaders said they will continue training and preparedness efforts at school sites.
