Many students can say their friends changed their lives, but few can claim their friends saved their lives.
Parents of student Michael Behringer are singing senior Paul Moran’s praises after he rescued Behringer last week from a choking incident at Whitney, demonstrating the importance of first-response training for students.
"Needless to say, I am extremely grateful that [Moran] was able to recognize that my son was really choking, and more importantly he was able to effectively put into action the training he had received,” said Karolee Behringer, the mother of Mr. Behringer.
Moran acquired the skills necessary to save his friend’s life from an emergency training course at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee last summer. He learned about the program from his mother who is a nurse there and decided to get certified.
The class, based on the American Red Cross' Safety in the Community and Workforce program for individuals who aspire to recognize emergency situations and provide lifesaving skills, basic first aid, CPR and the stomach thrusts and back blows necessary to assist choking victims.
“I feel it is important to know first aid skills because you never know when you might need them,” Moran said. Mr. Behringer added, “I would have never thought I was going to choke that day, let alone [it being] Paul who performed the Heimlich on me. People should realize that getting trained could save someone’s life someday.”
After sitting down to eat at Whitney with friends April 20, Mr.Behringer began choking on a piece of food. He had a difficult time breathing, and as his face started turning red, Moran realized something was wrong.
"I asked him if he was ok and he shook his head no. When he pointed to his throat, I asked him if he was choking. He nodded his head. I asked again, if he was choking and if he needed help. I stood up, as I told another friend to call 911 and then began to perform the Heimlich,” Moran recalled.
Moran doesn’t consider himself a hero for his quick response, but rather stating he just responded to the situation like any individual should when they see someone in distress. Moran suggested, however, that his training made him feel more confident and controlled in the situation. “Knowing what to do in an emergency situation will always help, even if there is someone more qualified there.”
“I strongly feel that everyone should have first aid training, you may never have to use it in the manner that Paul did, but it certainly makes you more prepared,” Mrs. Behringer added. "Anyone can be a victim.”
A variety of lifesaving classes are offered by both private organizations such as the Gundersen Lutheran and nonprofit groups, such as the American Red Cross. For classes offered by the American Red Cross' Scenic Bluff chapter, visit the Web site at http://www.arcscenicbluffs.org/index.php.
Moran concludes, “Students should know that they should never be afraid to help. In any situation trying to help will never hurt. Even if you do not always know what to do, stepping forward and telling someone there is a problem could make all the difference.”
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