Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center honors Carlisle High School students for life-saving actions
Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center leaders honored two Carlisle High School seniors, Elsa Riesmeyer and Julien Mastrangelo, for their quick thinking and heroism during a school craft show. The students recognized the signs of choking in a craft show attendee and successfully administered the Heimlich maneuver, saving the person’s life.
The students learned the life-saving skill through a trauma prevention education program taught by Sunny Goodyear, injury prevention and outreach coordinator, Holy Spirit Medical Center Trauma Services. The Medical Center, an accredited Level II Adult Trauma Center, provides critical care for life-threatening injuries and offers free trauma education and safety programs to schools, businesses, and community groups. Goodyear has partnered with the school for the past three years to teach students how to respond in emergency situations. The training includes instruction in Stop the Bleed techniques and choking response for both adults and children.
During a class session in October, Goodyear demonstrated the Heimlich maneuver to the students, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to react in a future emergency. Weeks later, Elsa and Julien were able to put their training into action when they witnessed a person choking at the school’s craft show.
Elsa recognized the signs of choking in an attendee. Without hesitation, she attempted to administer the Heimlich maneuver but realized she needed more force to be effective. Elsa called for Julien, knowing that his size and strength would help deliver the needed thrusts. Julien successfully dislodged the object blocking the attendee’s airway, allowing them to breathe again. The attendee was transported for follow-up care and later released home.
“I am so proud of Elsa and Julien,” Goodyear said. “They demonstrated not only the knowledge but the courage to act when it mattered most. It’s moments like these that show how powerful hands-on education can be, and how much it can impact a community.”
Justin Kretzing, health and safety teacher at Carlisle High School, was thrilled to see his students applying their lessons in real life. “This is the kind of story that makes teaching so rewarding,” Kretzing said. “It’s proof that the training works, and that these students are making a real difference.”
Kyle Snyder, president, Penn State Health Hampden and Holy Spirit Medical Centers, joined Goodyear to present award certificates to the students. The certificates recognized their quick action, bravery and compassion in a life-threatening situation, qualities reflective of true community heroes.
Dr. Bret DeLone, vice president of medical affairs and surgical director, quality and patient safety; Jennifer Boyd, manager, Trauma Program; Colleen Friend, superintendent, Carlisle Area School District; Patti Buffinton, principal, Carlisle High School and the students’ parents also attended the event.
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