Lisa Smith has always held a special place in her heart for young children, so when she had the opportunity to learn about life-saving techniques and safety issues regarding children, it was no surprise that she jumped at the opportunity. But little did she know that one day she would actually have to use those skills to save the life of a little one.

One day, Lisa was babysitting for a one-year-old named Quintin, and his older brother. When the boys finished their breakfast, Lisa excused them from the table to go play. Within moments, Lisa heard a scream. She immediately ran into the bedroom, where she found young Quintin curled up in the fetal position. Lisa thought he had chocked on something, as the toddler wasn’t breathing. She quickly positioned him so that she could perform the Heimlich Maneuver. However, after five quick thrusts, she was unable to dislodge any airway obstruction. She immediately called 9-1-1 and continued working on the boy, trying to save his life. Suddenly, Quintin’s trembling body started to relax, but then he couldn’t stand up.

Paramedics arrived shortly thereafter, and the boy’s parents transported him to the emergency room. Doctors at the hospital said Quintin had suffered a seizure and would have died, if not for the actions of Lisa. Her quick thinking and fast actions prevented his tongue from sliding over the airway and suffocating him. Quintin, under medical care following the incident, was on the road to recovery, thanks to Lisa. Due to her life-saving actions, Lisa was honored with The Lee County Sheriff’s Office Do The Right Thing Award.
(Fort Myers, Florida, 1999)
Written by Trish Routte, Lee County Sheriff’s Office