Eliot Elementary Paraprofessional Saves Choking Student

A Tulsa 5th grader is alive thanks to an educator at her elementary school.

That educator saw her choking, did the Heimlich, and saved her life! Pam Goode said helping out is just part of the job. She's just thankful she happened to be in the cafeteria when she saw 5th grader Ashelyn choking on some pizza.

Pam Goode said working as a paraprofessional at Eliot Elementary isn't easy, and it doesn't pay much, but it's rewarding every single day.

"It's something I love doing," Goode said. "I love working for kids."

Pam works in special education and with any kids who need some extra help. On Wednesday, she was in the cafeteria keeping an eye on kids and 5th grader Ashelyn McCulloch was having some pizza.

"I got a pepperoni slice this big, and put it in my mouth and swallowed," McCulloch said.

"I looked across the room somebody said, Ms. Pam, someone's in trouble," Goode said. "I turned around and scanned the area and saw she was turning red, and her lips started getting white."

Pam began doing the Heimlich maneuver on Ashelyn.

She said it worked and was so quiet hardly anyone noticed!

"I was still in shock," McCulloch said.

"I'm so happy I was in the right spot at the right time," Goode said. "That's my job to observe things if they need help you get in there and do it."

Principal Sharon Holt said it wasn't a surprise. She said Pam is always someone who goes above and beyond.

"I don't know you can put it into words to know that a life was saved, and how precious that life is," said Holt. 

For Ashelyn and Pam, a new friendship has formed, and both are so thankful Pam was there in that perfect moment.

"Thank you," Ashelyn said. "You're welcome--- I would do it again and again," Goode said.

Pam said her mom worked in the medical field and she picked up a lot of skills from her.

She said everything she does is for the kids.