- April 19, 2024
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Johnathan Moll learned the Heimlich maneuver from school posters. Cole Poetsch is grateful he did.
It was shortly after 11 a.m. Friday, June 1, at Old Kings Elementary School. Rebecca Oshesky’s third-grade class walked single-file to the lunch room.
Cole Poetsch, a 9-year-old student of Oshesky’s class, was in the cafeteria, scarfing down his peanut butter-and-jelly sandwich.
All of sudden, he began to choke.
“His face was turning colors, and I saw him put his hands on his neck so I knew he was choking,” classmate Johnathan Moll, 10, said Monday.
Without hesitation, Moll came to the rescue.
He got behind the smaller Poetsch, clutched his arms tight and squeezed. On the first attempt, Poetsch spit out his food.
Moll saved his classmate’s life.
Afterward, Poetsch, who was shaken up because of the incident, went to the nurse. Moll went back to eating his lunch. He didn’t brag.
“He did it selflessly and didn’t even say anything,” Oshesky said. “It’s just wonderful how instinctive he was to help somebody without thinking twice or without looking for any rewards as a result.”
Poetsch later told the nurse what happened and what his new friend did for him.
Deborah Moll said it’s her son’s personality to be laid back and not seek attention.
“He loves to help,” she said. “We’re just very proud at how fast he responded. He’s a very caring, loving young man ... wanting to help his friends.”
Poetsch said it was the first time he has choked like that.
“It was pretty nice, and I’m thankful,” Poetsch said of Moll. “He saved my life.”
“Johnathan Moll is a hero,” Old Kings Principal Nancy Willis said. “We are so very proud of him.” Since then, the school has presented Moll with a certificate for his heroism.
Moll admitted Monday that he was never taught how to do the Heimlich maneuver. He only saw posters on the walls at school. That’s all he needed to know.
After the incident, Moll was asked to visit the nurse’s office as school officials confirmed the story with the two third-graders.
After they were cleared to leave, Poetsch looked at Moll and said, “Thanks, man.” And the two gave each other a high-five and returned to class.
