– David Schleck
It was a normal day inside Alanton Elementary’s cafeteria March 16 when Teacher’s Assistant John Mingin noticed a fourth grader who looked like he was about to be sick.
“Can you breathe?” Mingin asked the boy, who shook his head “no.” Mingin asked two more times, just to be sure, but the boy still couldn’t breathe.
“It happened so quick, I didn’t have time to be scared,” Mingin said. “I immediately jumped into action.”
Mingin learned the Heimlich maneuver in 2010 when he was a personal trainer, and recently received a refresher during required training for all Virginia Beach City Public Schools staff.
After Mingin carefully administered an abdominal thrust, the boy signaled that he still couldn’t breathe. Mingin repeated this two more times, and the boy spit up a little and whispered that he could breathe again. The school nurse, who had been radioed by staff, arrived and examined the child. Parents were contacted, and the boy felt good enough to return to class that day.
Mingin also got back to work quickly. After his cafeteria monitoring, he helped with a math small group and a kindergarten class. But before the end of the day, the boy gave him a reward.
“He drew a gold medal on a piece of paper that said, ‘Thanks for saving my life.’ “
Fourth grade teacher Aubrey Simmons emailed Superintendent Dr. Aaron Spence, thanking Mingin for springing into action: “Mr. Mingin truly was a hero today,” she wrote.
Spence agreed.
“It’s dedicated educators like Mr. Mingin who help our children feel safe and loved in school,” Spence said. “I’m thankful for Mr. Mingin for taking action and turning what could have been a tragic event into an inspiring rescue.”
Last school year, physical education teacher assistant Elizabeth Almeda also saved the life of an Alanton student by performing the Heimlich maneuver.
Mingin, who is now in his second year as a teacher’s assistant, left a job in the fitness apparel industry to finish his bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. The day after rescuing the fourth grader, Alanton Elementary Principal Charlene Garran announced Mingin as the school’s Teacher’s Assistant of the Year. During a schoolwide assembly, students erupted in cheers and applause when Garran added that Mingin would return as a teacher at Alanton next year.
“I don’t think I’ve experienced anything like that ever,” Mingin said about the uproarious applause. “I love this community, and I’m glad I’ll be staying at Alanton.”
I hope he gets a News Channel 3 Hero Award.
John‘s commitment and devotion to child development is such an inspiration. He also dedicates time to volunteering at his church – he would be well deserving of a News Channel 3 Hero award!
He deserves any accolades that come his way. He is a great role model at Church of the Holy Family. He is one who really walks the walk.
Great Job John!
You are amazing John, you quickly went into action to save that boy’s life! You will be an amazing teacher and Alanton will be so fortunate to have you at their school! GOD bless you!