Oklahoma Educator Saves Student from Choking

Jassie Zaidi's quick thinking and Heimlich maneuver clear student's airway during lunch period.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:49pm

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A high-contrast, brightly colored silkscreen print of a school lunch item like an apple or milk carton repeated in a grid pattern, capturing the celebratory mood of a community coming together to support its educators.A teacher's quick thinking and emergency training saved a student's life during a lunchtime medical emergency at an Oklahoma elementary school.Oklahoma City Today

A Putnam City Schools educator named Jassie Zaidi was in the right place at the right time when a 4th-grade student started choking on a cheese stick during lunch. Without hesitation, Zaidi performed the Heimlich maneuver, clearing the student's airway after three powerful thrusts. The student was later checked out by healthcare professionals and returned to school the next day, thanks to Zaidi's lifesaving actions.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of educators being trained in emergency first aid and staying vigilant for potential safety issues, especially in school settings where children are at risk of choking hazards. Zaidi's quick thinking and decisive action likely saved the student's life, underscoring the value of having staff prepared to respond to medical emergencies.

The details

During a 4th-grade lunch period at Will Rogers Elementary, a student started coughing forcefully. Zaidi, who was on lunch duty that day, recognized the signs of choking and immediately sprang into action. She positioned herself behind the student and performed the Heimlich maneuver, clearing the student's airway after three powerful thrusts. The student had been choking on a long, wide cheese stick that was stuck in their windpipe.

  • On April 8, 2026, the incident occurred during the 4th-grade lunch period at Will Rogers Elementary.
  • The student returned to school the next day, April 9, 2026.

The players

Jassie Zaidi

An educator at Will Rogers Elementary in the Putnam City Schools district who was on lunch duty and quickly responded to save a choking student.

Putnam City Schools

The school district that oversees Will Rogers Elementary, where the incident took place.

Will Rogers Elementary

The school where the choking incident occurred and where Jassie Zaidi works as an educator.

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What they’re saying

“Always be on your toes because you never know what's going to happen. If I had second-guessed, 'Oh, is this an appropriate time to do that?' It might not have had the same positive outcome.”

— Jassie Zaidi, Educator

What’s next

The school district is expected to recognize Jassie Zaidi's heroic actions and review its emergency response protocols to ensure all staff are properly trained in first aid and prepared to handle medical emergencies.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role educators play in keeping students safe, and the importance of being trained in emergency medical procedures. Jassie Zaidi's quick thinking and decisive action likely saved a young student's life, underscoring the value of having vigilant and prepared staff in schools.