Texas school used wrong equipment as girl, 8, choked and died
Adrian Thompson died from choking at school; staff used adult-sized emergency equipment instead of a pediatric device.
Adrian Thompson began choking on lunch at Velma Penny Elementary School in Texas in April. CCTV footage released by her parents shows her coughing, then running to staff with her hands at her throat.
An employee thought she was sick and guided her toward a bin, then suggested she go to the bathroom. Adrian returned to the canteen distressed and ran to the nurse's office.
A nurse saw Adrian pointing to her mouth and turning blue. Instead of a pediatric suction device, staff used an adult-sized one.
Around five minutes after she started choking, the principal called emergency services. Adrian was rushed to hospital but died the next morning from brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation.
Texas police found no criminal offense.
- Adrian Thompson
- Victim
- Velma Penny Elementary School, Texas
- School
- April
- When
- Around 5 minutes
- Time before emergency call
Why it mattersThe choice of equipment and the delay in treatment raise serious questions about school emergency protocols and whether staff training was adequate.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, but the story prompts questions about whether Australian schools follow similar equipment safety standards and staff training for choking emergencies.
Corroborated bythenightly.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
