Deputy praised for saving life

MILAN TWP. — An Erie County sheriff's deputy who also serves as a local school resource officer recently received high praise for saving a student's life. For his heroics, Brian Kingsborough — who not only patrols area roads but works daily throughout Edison Schools' educational buildings — obtained the elusive Buckeye State Sheriff's Association's Life Saving Award. This honor spotlights first responders performing brave actions to save someone's life. A recent presentation occurred at an Edison school board meeting. The recognition references an incident taking place on March 26 at Edison High School. Recalling the incident In his sheriff's office report, Kinsborough details what allegedly happened: • During a lunch period in the cafeteria, a student alerted Kingsborough and other teachers to a classmate choking on a piece of food. • The student, unable couldn't verbalize her actions: — Shook her head "no" when asked if she could breathe — Pointed to her neck where she was choking — Appeared to be panicking • Kingsborough got the student to stand up and performed two series of Heimlich maneuver thrusts on her. • Quickly thereafter, the student "indicated she was now able to breathe and was OK." • Kingsborough determined she choked on some sort of fruit. • Based on the advice of school nurse Michelle Anderson and the girl's mother, she stayed at school throughout this day. She didn't require any additional medical treatment. 'Grateful for his service' On the same day, Anderson wrote a letter to Erie County Sheriff Paul Sigsworth to explain Kingsborough's heroic actions. Here's her letter in full: I would like to take this opportunity to make you aware of the commendable actions of our school resource officer — specifically, Deputy Kingsborough's quick thinking and calm response — to a potentially life-threatening situation at Edison High School. He effectively performed the Heimlich maneuver on a student who was choking. Because of his knowledge and routine presence in the cafeteria during lunchtimes, he was able to assist the student even before the nurse was made aware of the situation. He is an extremely important part of the school who has made a tangible difference for students and staff alike. I am grateful for his service. Edison High School teacher Ryan Meredith also wrote an email to explain what Kingsborough did. Here's his email in full: I was able to witness firsthand the swift, heroic actions of one of Erie County's finest: Deputy Brian Kingsborough jumped into action as one of Edison High School's students began to choke during lunch. Deputy Kingsborough swiftly moved into action and began to administer upward thrusts that, in turn, dislodged the food item from the gasping student's throat. It's not every day that an incident of this caliber takes place during lunch modules. But because of the calm nature of Deputy Kingsborough and the specialized training that he has achieved, the young lady was able to rebound quickly. Not only did the student finish her lunch and chocolate milk, but, in return, thanked Deputy Kingsborough for his assistance with what could have ended in tragedy. Thank you, Deputy Kingsborough, for all that you do — not only in Erie County but for the students of Edison High School. Another high school teacher, Kyle Cory, also typed up an email to recap Kingsborough's quick thinking. Here's an excerpt from his correspondence: "Kingsborough performed heroically and hastily to ensure the student's safety." Proud of his actions Erie County Sheriff Paul Sigsworth, who attended the board of education meeting with and in support of Kingsborough, applauded him. Sigsworth labeled Kingsborough as someone who always goes above and beyond for community members, and there's no better example of him serving and protecting than what occurred on March 26. "We are proud of him, and we are glad that he was able to put his training to work to help that student, who was in distress," Sigsworth said. Stefanie Kingsborough, Brian's wife, on social media noted how she's "extremely proud of his service and dedication." The post on her Facebook page, published this past week to highlight the award ceremony, has since garnered nearly 200 positive reactions. Kingsborough — a 17-year local law enforcement officer who's worked with Sandusky police, Fremont police and now the sheriff's office — appreciates all the acknowledgment he's received and remains grateful to serve locals, including students enrolled at Edison. He's in his fourth year working for Erie County and at Edison and hopes to continue in these roles for a long time. With responsibilities entrusted to him, Kingsborough thoroughly enjoys helping youth learn in any way possible. This would include teaching them about drug prevention, law enforcement responsibilities and, now, life-saving techniques — which he personally put on full display with others witnessing the importance of staying prepared whenever dealing with impromptu emergencies. "Being a school resource officer has been an incredible experience, which I value immensely," Kingsborough said. "The Edison school district is one of the best in the area. I enjoy helping at the schools in any way I can, however student and staff safety is my top daily priority." How to perform the Heimlich The Cleveland Clinic offers a quick tutorial on how people can perform the Heimlich maneuver: On someone else: 1. Stand behind the person and put your arms around their belly/abdomen 2. Make a fist with one hand and clasp your other hand tightly around it 3. Place the thumb side of your fist just below the other person's ribcage and about 2 inches above the other person's belly button/navel 4. Sharply and quickly thrust your hands inward and upward five times. 5. Repeat this process until you free/dislodge the object stuck in their windpipe or the person becomes unconscious; If the person becomes unconscious, start CPR. On yourself 1. Make a fist with one hand and clasp your other hand tightly around it. 2. Place the thumb side of your fist just below your ribcage and about 2 inches above your belly button/navel 3. Sharply and quickly thrust your hands inward and upward five times. 4. Repeat this process until you free/dislodge the object. "You can also try leaning over a railing, chair or table edge," the clinic wrote."Then sharply and quickly thrust your upper abdominal area against the edge."