WATCH: Hero Teacher Saves Student Choking On Bottle Cap

April 13, 2022

A 3rd grade teacher at East Orange Community Charter School in New Jersey saved the life of her student -- and it was captured on video.

I want to praise JaNiece Jenkins, a teacher at East Orange Community Charter School! When a student began to choke, she performed the Heimlich maneuver immediately and saved the student's life. Jenkins is a true community hero! https://t.co/oatVbVWg2e pic.twitter.com/MtUEQHP4JO

— Rep. Donald Payne Jr (@RepDonaldPayne) April 11, 2022

Janiece Jenkins was sitting at her desk when one of her students came running up to her in distress.

She realized he was choking and immediately performed the Heimlich maneuver on the boy, clearing his airway.

"I didn't really think, I just acted," Jenkins told NJ Advance Media. "I saw he needed help and I just sprung into action to help him. He couldn't breathe, his face was pretty pale and he had a look of desperation on his face."

The boy began choking on a water bottle cap after trying to open the bottle with his teeth as he squeezed on it.

Once the student realized he couldn't dislodge the cap from his throat on his own, he raced to Jenkins, who years ago had been trained in CPR and basic first aid when she was a preschool teacher.

"Once he was safe, I got him to the nurse and I felt 100% better," Jenkins said.

"Then my emotions got the best of me in hindsight thinking of what could've happened. Thank God, I was able to do what I did. This is the first time I ever did the (Heimlich maneuver) for real. I'm glad it worked."

Watch the video below.