Quick-thinking custodian saves choking student

By Christy Nadalin
Posted 11/3/22

A recent harrowing incident in the cafeteria at the Guiteras School ended well, thanks to the skills and quick thinking of custodian Bobby Santos.

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Quick-thinking custodian saves choking student

Posted

A recent harrowing incident in the cafeteria at the Guiteras School ended well, thanks to the skills and quick thinking of custodian Bobby Santos.

While helping to supervise lunch in a cafeteria full of students, Santos heard a commotion, including calls for help from two of the teachers assistants on duty. A student was choking on their lunch.

Though the students are reminded to take care when eating, “kids will be kids, and this student was laughing and talking with friends, and some of their food just went down the wrong tube,” said Santos.

Years ago, at a previous job, Santos was requires to be certified in basic lifesaving skills; it is a certification he makes a point of keeping current. So he knew just what to do, and immediately began performing the Heimlich Maneuver on the student.

The blockage did not clear immediately, which was frightening for all involved. “It was nerve-wracking,” said Santos. “That minute felt like hours. I was very, very relieved when it was over, and the student was okay.”

Santos, a Bristol native and 1990 Bristol High School graduate, has been employed by the district for 13 years, the last five as the Guiteras School’s day custodian. “I’ve always enjoyed the company of kids, chatting with them and making them laugh.” A father of one son, and now recently a grandfather, family is everything to Santos — another reason he is so grateful that he was in the right place at the right time, for someone else’s child and grandchild. “My son and grandson mean the world to me,” he said.

“I felt like I did my job,” he said. “That’s why I’m there, to help people out. My boss was very happy, which made me feel great.”

“Bobby is such a positive part of our Guiteras community,” said Principal Christine Hughes. “He has the respect of the students and adults because he cares deeply for our school.”

The frightening incident has certainly strengthened the relationship between Santos and the student.

“The student is so sweet, they gave me a card and chocolates, and the family was very thankful too,” he said. “We always had a nice relationship — now I get hi-fives when we pass in the hall.”

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