(KRON) -- A Pinole Middle School teacher’s quick actions last month saved a 13-year-old student who was choking on food, officials said Thursday. On the morning of December 9, Ms. Fay heard alarming gasping noises while at the middle school and “immediately recognized the emergency,” the Pinole Police Department said in a social media post commending her heroism. A 13-year-old student was choking on a salami sandwich and unable to breathe. Ms. Fay quickly assessed the situation and performed the Heimlich maneuver on the student who was gasping for air. In less than a minute, the student coughed out the lodged food and was able to breathe again. Pinole Middle School teacher Ms. Fay saved a choking student on Dec. 9, 2025, by performing the Heimlich maneuver, officials say. (Photo: Pinole Police Department) “Thanks to Ms. Fay’s quick and decisive action, a tragedy was averted,” Pinole PD said. “Her courage, attentiveness, and professionalism exemplify the best in educators.” The police department is reminding the community of the importance of knowing CPR and first aid, and said it could make all the difference in an emergency. Classes offered by the American Red Cross can be found on its website.