In a troubling incident at a Texas middle school, a student was suspended for taking action to help a classmate experiencing a severe asthma attack. This incident sheds light on the challenges schools face in managing asthma emergencies among students.
Recently, at Gateway Middle School, a student named Jake Thompson witnessed a fellow classmate, Emily, struggling to breathe during class. As she began to cough and wheeze, the teacher attempted to contact the school nurse, but there was no immediate response. As Emily fell from her chair, gasping for air, Jake decided to step in. Forgetting the waiting protocol, he lifted her and carried her to the nurse’s office himself.
The teacher’s report described the situation vividly: “During 5th period, Emily was having an asthma attack. As I waited for the nurse to respond, she fell from her chair. Jake rushed over, saying ‘we can’t wait for an email from the nurse,’ and carried her out.”
Despite his heroic actions, Jake faced a two-day suspension for his use of inappropriate language and for leaving the classroom without permission. His mother, Sarah, expressed her disappointment, stating, “While I don’t condone the language, he could have saved her life. It seems unfair for him to be punished for acting quickly.”
It’s worth noting that Gateway Middle School serves students with prior disciplinary issues, potentially explaining their strict policies. However, in this case, it would have been more appropriate to commend Jake for his quick thinking rather than penalize him for his choice of words or for stepping out of class. After all, the delay in receiving help for a student who was literally falling to the ground is concerning.
Asthma affects approximately 6.8 million children in the U.S., with serious repercussions. The CDC reported that in 2013, there were 3,630 asthma-related deaths and 1.8 million hospitalizations. Clearly, a student fainting from an asthma attack is a life-threatening situation that warrants immediate action.
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In summary, Jake Thompson’s quick response during a critical moment should be recognized rather than punished. Schools must find better ways to address health emergencies and support students in crisis.