A 2-year-old boy was breathing again after Early Head Start director Yolanda Willis dislodged candy from his throat during a Burke County school’s annual fall family meal Thursday.
The incident began at 11:38 a.m. Surveillance video showed Jo Freeman in distress as a nearby guardian tried to help. Willis performed several abdominal thrusts, and she said Jo was able to continue his day afterward.
Jo’s mother, Felicia Freeman, said she entered the hallway as the commotion started and was told he was choking. Willis said she drew on more than 25 years in education and had performed the Heimlich once before. She also said she had recently undergone surgery and was supposed to be under lifting restrictions.
Willis hopes the video and attention surrounding the incident will encourage parents and caregivers to obtain CPR and first-aid training.
Victoria Sterling
News Now Georgia
