LA CROSSE, Wisconsin – The La Crosse Police Department is proud to report the lifesaving actions of Police Explorer Ian Brown. On March 22nd during lunch at Central High School, La Crosse Police Explorer Ian Brown used the first aid training that he received as a Police Explorer to perform the Heimlich maneuver on a fellow student who was choking.
According to Central school nurse Kim Mahlum, Ian was with a group of friends in the Central High School lunchroom when one of the students started coughing and motioning that he was choking. Ms. Mahlum stated that most of the people there thought the student was just joking around, but Ian noticed a color change in the victim’s face and neck, and realized the student was in trouble. Ian then proceeded to perform the Heimlich maneuver three or four times until the food was dislodged from the friend’s throat. After dislodging the food, Ian brought the student to the nurse’s office to be further assessed, and to make sure the airway was clear.
Ms. Mahlum stated that it was through the direct intervention of Ian, and the training he received as a La Crosse Police Explorer, that a very dangerous situation was handled and tragedy averted.
The Police Explorer program offers young adults a personal awareness of the criminal justice system through training, practical experiences, competition, and other activities. Additionally, the program promotes personal growth through character development, respect for the rule of law, physical fitness, good citizenship, and patriotism.
Law Enforcement Exploring provides classroom training in diverse topics such as first aid, community policing, investigations, conducting a traffic stop, and much more. Explorers get to experience firsthand what it’s like to be an officer of the law. It is our goal to make this program a stepping stone for these students to transition into law enforcement careers.
Great job Explorer Ian Brown!