May 20, 2002

PRESS RELEASE
To: Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Public Information Officer
Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2609, page: 675-2137

Fire Chief to Recognize 8-year-old for Saving Sister

Child performs Heimlich maneuver taught by parents - SFD Offers Mealtime Safety Tips

Even at 8-years-old, William Salard knew something was wrong when he looked up from the dinner table and saw his little 4-year-old sister, LeeAnn, struggling to breath. Maybe it was because his father, Greg, is a medical student or his mother, LeeAnn, is a nurse. Whatever the reason, the family is thankful that on April 20, William knew enough to recognize that during a meal at a friend’s home, his sister was in trouble. With no adults in the immediate area, William took action and performed the Heimlich maneuver on his sister, expelling some fish that had blocked the little girls airway.

For William’s quick and possibly life saving actions, Shreveport Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran will recognize the A.C. Steer second grader tomorrow at his Central Fire Station Office, 801 Crockett, at 3:30 p.m. More than 2,800 people die each year from choking; many of them are children. According to one study, nearly two-thirds of the children who choked to death during a 20-year period were 3 years old or younger. The majority of choking deaths are caused by toys and household items. The most common cause of nonfatal choking incidents is food. In one study, nearly 70 percent of choking cases presented in the emergency department were caused by foods such as hotdogs, nuts, and vegetable and fruit pieces.

SFD Safety tips for Children at Mealtime
* Insist that your children eat at the table, or at least sitting down. Watch young children while they eat. Encourage them to eat slowly and chew their food well.
* Cut up foods that are firm and round and can get stuck in your child's airway, such as

hotdogs -always cut hotdogs length-wise and then into small pieces
grapes-cut them into quarters
raw vegetables-cut them into small strips or pieces that are not round

* Other foods that can pose a choking hazard include:

hard or sticky candy, like whole peppermints or caramels
nuts and seeds (don't give peanuts to children under age 7)
popcorn
spoonfuls of peanut butter