By Courtney Carpenter

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PASADENA, Texas (KTRK) — A teacher’s aide at a Pasadena ISD elementary school was honored Thursday by the American Red Cross for her potentially lifesaving actions.

In November, Jhanet Diehl sprang into action when a third-grade student at Burnett Elementary School began choking during lunch.

“I was eating crackers and was about to drink water, then I started choking,” said 8-year-old Orlando Salazar.

Fortunately, Diehl was up to date with his CPR training and knew exactly what to do.

“I put my hands here and then pushed it up. Then later he was coughing and that was good because it was a sign that he was starting to breathe a little. I took his arms and pulled them up so the airway could clear. After that I just got him to drink some water slowly and eventually he stopped coughing, and I knew he was fine,” Diehl said.

Diehl, a bilingual teacher’s aide who has worked at the school for 25 years, received a Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action from the American Red Cross on Thursday.

Orlando’s mother was there to show her appreciation.

“I was terrified when I heard, but thanks to her my son is fine,” said Karina Vega Salazar.

Heroic deeds were only part of a day’s work for this dedicated teacher.

“To see the kids smile after being scared and all that is a relief for me,” Diehl said.

Orlando said he was grateful to Diehl, calling her a hero.

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