Maine teacher uses training to save a student’s life

By Dan Dowling – regional communications manager 

“You never know what kind of situation you may be in. I never imagined that I would save the life of a student during my lunch duty, but I did because the situation presented itself. I am thankful that I reacted the way I did and knew how to help her.” 

In a moment of crisis, quick thinking and decisive action can mean the difference between life and death. That was the reality for John Pelletier, a dedicated educator who found himself in a life-or-death situation during a routine lunch duty at Caribou Community School. On February 10, 2025, his swift response saved a young student from choking, earning him an American Red Cross Lifesaving Award. 

“I was on lunch duty in the cafeteria. I walked around the lunchroom to observe the students as they ate lunch. I passed the table Harper was sitting at, and I heard a commotion,” John said. 

What John observed was alarming. Harper was choking on her lunch. Her friends were hitting her back to help, but the obstruction remained. Instinctively, John sprang into action. 

“I remember thinking I was going to die. I started banging on the table, and my friends started hitting my back. That’s what got the teacher’s attention,” recalled Harper. 

John quickly lifted Harper from her seat and applied three rapid thrusts. He successfully dislodged the food, ensuring Harper could breathe again. He saved Harper’s life. Later that day, John was able to reflect on the experience. 

“Watching the video of the incident made me realize how fortunate I was to be able to help Harper. That moment will stay with me for a lifetime,” remembered John. 

Harper’s mom, Jessica Holabird, says her heart sank when she heard what happened to her daughter in the lunchroom, but appreciated that Harper’s friends, and her math teacher were there to help. “I'm so relieved and grateful that her friends were there to step in and get Mr. Pelletier's attention. Their quick thinking and bravery likely prevented a much worse situation. Mr. Pelletier being in the right place at the right time truly saved her from something that could have been much worse,” said Jessica. 

A few weeks after the incident John had an opportunity to meet Harper’s dad, Matthew, face-to-face. He remembers how grateful her dad was that John knew what to do. 

“He took the time to shake my hand and personally thank me for saving his daughter’s life.  I did what I would have done for any of my students that day.  I am thankful that I was able to think quickly and react appropriately,” said John. 

In May, the Red Cross presented John with its Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action. The national lifesaving award is presented to those who use any lifesaving skill taught by the American Red Cross during an incident. All the students gathered in the cafeteria and surprised John with this important recognition. The Red Cross Executive Director of Northern and Eastern Maine Caroline King was there to present the award to John. 

“There are only a handful of these that are given across the country every year, so we are really honored and excited to bestow this upon Mr. Pelletier,” remarked Caroline. 

Harper’s parents were both in attendance at the award presentation and were moved by the experience. 

“It was incredibly moving to witness Mr. Pelletier receive the Lifesaving award.  Seeing him recognized for his quick thinking and decisive action was truly inspiring.  It's a testament to his character and dedication to the students,” said Jessica. 

John and Jessica both agree that the experience helped them realize the importance of having basic first aid skills. Jessica appreciates that the staff who work so closely with Harper have the skills they need to react in an emergency. 

“Knowing that the teachers and staff at the school are equipped with these lifesaving skills provides immense peace of mind.  It's a blessing to have such capable and caring individuals looking out for our children,” Jessica said. 

The importance of being trained and confident to act when moments matter cannot be understated. Whether it’s helping family, friends, or your community, learning lifesaving skills will make a difference. Sign up to learn lifesaving skills such as CPR, first aid, lifeguarding and more at redcross.org/takeaclass.