For Immediate Release:
Date: 02/28/2024
Event: Medical emergency of a student choking
Suspect: Odenville Elementary School in Odenville, AL

The Odenville Elementary School experienced a medical emergency in the cafeteria yesterday, during lunch. A student began choking while eating. The faculty, nurse, and School Resource Officers immediately began life-saving measures. Several life-saving actions were attempted, and a Life Vac device was successfully used to dislodge the obstruction.

Sheriff Billy Murray stated he was very thankful the student is recovering and was extremely proud of his team. "These situations are scary for everyone involved and we are happy to partner with our great team at Odenville Schools to work together and help each other in times of distress".

Dr. Justin Burns said, "he was so proud of all his staff and the St Clair County Sheriff's Department's SRO's for rendering the very needed life support and for keeping control of the situation". "Additionally, we are all proud of the teacher who gave their personal Life Vac to be used and therefore dislodging the obstruction, saving the student's life". St Clair County Schools and St Clair County Sheriff are urgently working to have this new life-saving device called Life Vac available in the schools and with the Deputies soon.
Thank you to Odenville Fire and Rescue and RPS Ambulance for their quick response and work in this incident. Our students and communities are all better for everyone's knowledge and dedication.

Billy J. Murray
Sheriff