Jan McReynolds is credited for saving a fifth grade student's life that was choking.
Mother Lisa Bilbery considers McReynolds a hero.COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -
In 38 years of teaching, Jan McReynolds has seen pretty much everything.
While passing through the cafeteria at Prescott South Middle School on August 3, she spotted a fifth grade student who appeared to be struggling to breathe.
"There was a young lady sitting there with her hand to her throat and [she] was a nice red color," McReynolds told Nashville's News 2, "This child was in danger."
McReynolds told Nashville's News 2 she didn't have time to think before performing the Heimlich maneuver.
"I just automatically wrapped my arms around and tried to remember the grasp, and two pumps and out popped that hot dog," said McReynolds.
Adrenaline turned to emotion for McReynolds, who cried and embraced the girl, also in tears.
"She's our hero, we are just so grateful for her," said Lisa Bilbery, the girl's mother.
Bilbery told Nashville's News 2 her daughter was grateful, but too shy to talk with reporters about her ordeal.
"No one wants to start their middle school career being known as the girl who choked on the hot dog," said Bilbery.
Bilbery and her daughter both credit McReynolds' quick thinking with saving a life.
"We're not planning a funeral today because of the decision she made to get certified in CPR," an emotional Bilbery told Nashville's News 2, "She saved a life and she changed a future."
McReynolds told Nashville's News 2 that heroism is simply part of the job.
"That's a human being's job. If you see someone in danger you just reach out and you help," said McReynolds.
All new teachers at Prescott South Middle School are required to have CPR certification, which includes instruction in the Heimlich maneuver.
