The Tulsa Fire Department honored 5th-grade student Sandy Macha for her quick thinking in saving her sibling from choking. Sandy was recently recognized at Fire Station 23.
Sandy and her sister were eating sandwiches for lunch while their mother was upstairs. Sandy’s sister stood up and headed towards the bathroom, so Sandy followed her. Sandy saw her sister hunched over and unresponsive. Staying calm and recognizing the emergency, Sandy performed the Heimlich maneuver on her sister. She had previously learned the Heimlich maneuver from her mother.
The TFD recognized Sandy for her life saving actions. “At Station 23, we presented her with a proclamation from Fire Chief Michael Baker, a TFD EMS challenge coin, and a Station 23 ‘Lions Den’ decal.
Baker went on to say that Sandy’s quick action is a reminder that lifesaving skills like CPR and the Heimlich maneuver are not just for first responders but can be employed by anyone, and at any age. “Emergencies can happen when we least expect them, and one person’s courage can change everything. We are proud to have heroes like her in our community. Please help us thank this young lady for her heroic actions, no doubt they made a lifelong impact on her family and friends!”
