Child caregivers save choking infant

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Katherine Tereyama
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Parents with children attending the two base child development centers here can put their minds at ease knowing the caregivers who work there are trained and able to intervene during an emergency as demonstrated recently when a small child choked on a piece of food.

CDC caregivers leapt into action saving the life of 20-month-old Maya Lute when a piece of French toast became lodged in her throat. Senior Airman Karmalita Lute and mother of little Maya later expressed her gratitude to the caregivers working that day for being ready to react and putting her at ease knowing she is in capable hands.

"It was definitely a team response," said Loiuse Abara, CDC front desk clerk. "Instinct kicked in and we all just reacted. Melanie [Charles] called the front desk where we were for help and Johana Beaton, the main caregiver in the room, then immediately began trying to clear Maya's airway. Josephine [Roberson] called 9-1-1 and I rushed back to see how I could help."

Abara administered the final life-saving back blows and cleared Maya's airway before emergency responders arrived. While Abara is a licensed practical nurse, all CDC employees are trained in first aid and basic life support.

"Our staff is highly trained in many different areas pertaining to the safety of our children," said Marcellus George, CDC chief. "Any one of our caregivers would be prepared to do the same thing in a similar situation. We care for each child as if they are our own."

Lute is thankful her daughter's caregivers were trained and ready to respond.

Anything could have happened to my daughter that day, but knowing the caregivers can react in a situation like that puts me at ease, Lute said.

"I am so grateful my daughter is at this CDC. [They] have a great team of workers with great attitudes and a love for children."