Ephrata paraeducator recognized for saving student's life

EPHRATA – Grant Elementary Paraeducator Lee Er Phua-Sharp saved a student’s life with CPR when she found him unresponsive on the playground, according to an Ephrata School District press release.

“(Phua-Sharp)was in the right place, at the right time and had the right skills for the situation,” said Grant Elementary School Principal Shannon Dahl. “She did an amazing job caring for our student and remaining calm and collected despite the noise and activity of the playground.”

Phua-Sharp observed a male student on the playground who was unresponsive on April 27. Checking on him, she found that it was necessary to perform CPR on the student, which revived him. The student was then treated by Emergency Medical Response professionals and later released. He is now home and expected to recover fully.

Several staff assisted Phua-Sharp with her efforts on the playground by moving students away from the scene and comforting concerned children. An all-school assembly was held that afternoon to aid students in understanding what had happened and update them on the male student’s condition. Counseling and strategies for coping with a potentially traumatic event were included provided as well.

The press release said the school district will award Phua-Sharp with its Excellence Award at a Grant Elementary assembly on June 9.

“Lee Er is a shining example of what it means to be in service to others,” said Ephrata School District Superintendent Tim Payne. “She stepped up and quickly took life-saving action. We’re proud of her efforts to save this child and very proud to have her as part of our team.”

Dahl expressed gratitude for Phua-Sharp’s efforts to ensure student safety.

“We’re extremely thankful that (Phua-Sharp) was there to assist and that her actions helped lead to the student’s full recovery. We couldn’t be more proud,” Dahl said.