Safety Training

This article appeared in the Waterloo Courier, March 1, 2004.

Class teaches student life-saving techniques

By Jon Ericson, Courier Staff Writer

CEDAR FALLS - James Newman passed his real-life test less than a week after taking a life saving course. The first-shift supervisor at Crystal Distribution Services in the Cedar Falls Industrial Park, Newman took a class in first aid and CPR on Jan. 31.

On Feb. 6, he was in Minong, Wis., on business. He was at a bar and restaurant with a business associate, Jan Sens and her husband Richard. Richard Sens had a drink with some ice. Someone told a joke that struck him as funny, and he began to laugh. An ice cube lodged in his throat, and he began to choke.

"When it first happened, I got real nervous," Newman said. Having just had training, Newman thought to do the Heimlich maneuver to expel the ice cube.

"I asked permission to do it first. He nodded, and then I just did it," Newman said.

Sens can at least partilaly thank Hawkeye Community College for the help. The class Newman attended was put on at Crystal Distribution by HCC. Newman was among 23 Crystal employees who woke early on a Satruday to attend the class.

On Friday, HCC presented Newman with an award for his life-saving action. Julie Gesie was one of three instructors who performed the training back in January.

"On behalf of Hawkeye, we would like to say thank you for what you did and for paying attention," Gesie said before handing Newman a framed certificate.

The award ceremony took place in front of many of Crystal's employees in a conference room.

"All I have to say is I don't want anyone to choke: chew your food. Don't use ice if you don't have to," joked Newman to the assembled crowd before turning more serious. "I'm glad we had this class."