ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, February 16, 1997 TAG: 9702170047
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-14 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: NORFOLK
SOURCE: Associated Press
A 7-year-old girl who complained of choking on a quarter coughed up a total of 40 cents when her teacher came to the rescue.
During class, Kashay McCleese turned to her teacher, Trumillia Britt, and gasped, ``Mrs. Britt, I swallowed a quarter.''
Britt quickly turned the child to do a makeshift Heimlich maneuver. After a pound on the chest, out popped a quarter. That was followed by a dime, then a nickel.
``I thought I was a magician,'' Britt said Friday at James Monroe Elementary School. ``She told me a quarter, and I got 40 cents.''
About 12:30 Thursday, Kashay's first-grade class was gathered around Britt when the girl fished into her pocket and pulled out the change.
``I just started licking the money,'' Kashay said. ``Then it went down my throat.''
She was unable to breathe, but managed to walk over to her teacher.
``I thought she had to regurgitate, so I walked her to the bathroom area,'' Britt said. ``She looked as if she weren't going to make it, so I brought the trash can to her, but it wouldn't come out.''
Then Kashay managed to convey the part about the quarter.
``I almost panicked,'' Britt said. ``But then I told myself, `You have to help this child.'''
The other pupils became silent as they watched their classmate choking - until they heard the money fall to the floor.
``When I saw the money come out, I said `God bless you. She's still living,''' 7-year-old Ethlyn Holmes said.
Britt used the experience to teach the class a lesson. Kashay sure learned hers.
``I'm not putting anything in my mouth but food,'' she said. ``And candy.''
LENGTH: Short : 43 linesby CNB