In a concerning incident that highlights the challenges schools face in managing health emergencies, a student was suspended for stepping in to help a classmate during an asthma attack. This week, a Texas eighth grader, named Jake Thompson, found himself at the center of controversy after he carried a fellow student to the nurse’s office when she was struggling to breathe.
According to reports from NBC11, Jake was in class at Gateway Middle School when he noticed a classmate coughing and wheezing. While the teacher attempted to remain calm and contacted the school nurse via email, the minutes dragged on without any response. As the situation escalated and the girl fell out of her chair, Jake decided to take action. He lifted her up and exclaimed, “Forget waiting for an email!” before heading toward the nurse’s office.
The teacher documented the incident in a suspension referral, stating: “During 5th period, another student complained of not being able to breathe. While I awaited a response from the nurse, the student fell to the floor. Jake proceeded to assist her, saying, ‘Forget waiting for the nurse.’ He left the class and carried her to the nurse.”
One might think Jake would be praised for his quick thinking, but instead, he was given a two-day suspension for his language and for leaving the classroom without permission. To make matters worse, his mother, Lisa Harper, shared that the school called her on the first day of his suspension to inquire about his absence, prompting her to remind them that he had been suspended. She commented, “While I don’t condone his language, Jake’s actions could have potentially saved her life.”
Gateway Middle School is known for its strict policies, particularly as it caters to students with disciplinary issues. However, this situation begs the question—why were the adults in the room not reacting more promptly? With approximately 6.8 million children in the U.S. suffering from asthma, the repercussions can be dire. In 2013, there were 3,630 asthma-related deaths, highlighting the seriousness of the condition.
In this instance, Jake should be recognized for his bravery rather than penalized for his outburst or for leaving the classroom. The focus should be on the health and safety of students, and it’s crucial for schools to have effective protocols in place for managing such emergencies. For more insights into navigating these challenges, check out this resource on pregnancy and home insemination. Also, for those interested in at-home methods, this article provides valuable information about insemination kits. If you have questions, feel free to reach out here.
In summary, Jake Thompson’s suspension raises important questions about school policies and the handling of medical emergencies. Instead of being reprimanded, his actions should be recognized as a display of courage in a critical moment.