Fifth-grade basic skills math teacher Domenick Renzi performed the Heimlich maneuver on fifth-grader Mark Albert
Washington Township two-time teacher of the year (1998-Bells Elementary; 2017-Wedgwood Elementary), current Gloucester County teacher of the year and state teacher of the year finalist Domenick Renzi has another accolade to add to his expansive list of distinctions — lifesaver.
On Monday, Jan. 22, Renzi, a fifth-grade basic skills math teacher, happened to be walking by the school’s cafeteria when fifth-grader Mark Albert came running out of the cafeteria and toward Renzi in the main foyer, unable to breathe. Albert was choking on a mozzarella stick and was frantic.
“He ran to me and placed his hands up to his throat to signal he was choking,” Renzi said. “After two pats on his back didn’t work, I went behind Mark and began the Heimlich maneuver. On the third thrust, the food was dislodged.”
School nurse Deb Sernicola and nurse assistant Joann Innaurato quickly arrived to assist with the after care, and Albert was soon back in the cafeteria and feeling better.
“The best part was receiving a hug and a thank you from Mark, who assured me he learned a valuable lesson about eating his food too quickly,” Renzi said. “We are all relieved that a crisis was averted and that he is just fine.”
