Teacher Saves Student from Choking

Taylor Kratzer is alive thanks to Susan O'Keefe's quick actions.

Kratzer, a sophomore at Wayne Hills High School, was eating a chicken wrap at lunch on Thursday when she started choking.

“All I remember is that I took a bite and I couldn’t swallow a piece of the chicken. I was coughing but it wasn’t coming back up,” Kratzer said. “I mouthed to two of my friends that I couldn’t breathe and that I needed help.”

Kratzer’s friends, Alyssa Alvino and Sydney Lowe, ran and got O’Keefe, an English teacher, who was on cafeteria duty that day. She ran over and administered the Heimlich maneuver. The food was dislodged and O'Keefe helped clear Kratzer's airway.

"It was one of those situations that just unfolded really quickly. You just have time to react," said O'Keefe, a mother of three children. "It was like any situation where you see someone in trouble. You just want to help."

Krazter was sent to nurse Judy Daly for observation. Daly contacted Kratzer's parents and told them what happened.

“I was amazed that [O’Keefe] stepped up to the plate and just did what she had to do, without a second’s hesitation,” said Kratzer's mother Donna. “ I can’t thank her enough. What could you possible do for someone who gives a priceless gift back to you?”

Kratzer attended the prom the next day. O'Keefe was one of the chaperones.

"Thursday was scary, but ended well," said Donna Kratzer. "One never knows what the outcome would have been if [O'Keefe] didn't stepped up to the plate."

Kratzer is on the competition cheerleading team and represents her class on the student council.

"Ms. O'Keefe gave us a priceless gift that day: our daughter's life," said Donna Kratzer. "Words or gifts cannot possibly say or express how thankful we are and how we truly feel."  

O’Keefe could not be reached for comment Sunday night.

— Have a question or news tip? Contact editor Daniel Hubbard at Daniel.Hubbard@patch.com or find us on Facebook and Twitter. For news straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.