Quick-thinking teacher uses life-saving technique to avert tragedy at Rochester school

From left, Rochester Fire Chief Mark Klose, Seacoast Learning Collaborative teacher John Les, 11th-grade-student Joshua Tuttle and Frisbie Memorial Hospital Director of EMS Gary Brock. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Chief Mark Klose announced today that the Rochester Fire Department honored a Seacoast Learning Collaborative teacher who helped rescue a choking student last month.

On Friday, May 25, teacher John Les administered the Heimlich maneuver to 11^th-grade-student Joshua Tuttle, who had indicated that he was choking.

Les acted quickly and, after recognizing that Tuttle couldn't talk, began the Heimlich maneuver and successfully removed the gum that had gotten stuck in Tuttle's throat.

The Rochester Fire Department subsequently recognized Les for his act of heroism at SLC's graduation ceremony on June 8.

"Mr. Les's actions show how important it is to react quickly when someone is in need," Klose said. "I was proud to congratulate him for his heroic actions that day, which helped avoid a possible tragedy."

Les has worked for 20 years at the Gonic school, which is a specialized education center for students with a variety of disabilities and special needs.