A grade two teacher in the Saguenay is being credited for saving the life of a student in the middle of class.
The near tragedy unfolded at La Pulperie elementary school in Chicoutimi on Valentine's Day.
Thomas Simard told TVA his teacher gave him a heart shaped lollipop as a reward for his good behaviour during silent reading time. While he was enjoying the candy it broke off of the stick and became lodged in his throat.
Having trouble breathing Thomas sought help from his teacher.
The woman, who wished to remain nameless, used the Heimlich manoeuvre and on the fifth thrust managed to free the blocked candy.
Thomas' father and mother Catherine, who happen to be a paramedic and nursing assistant, are grateful their son's teacher was able to keep her cool and react the way she did.
Catherine told the French news outlet she knows how fast a situation like this can turn from bad to worse. She called the teacher a Super Hero who could never be thanked enough.
Thomas is fine and returned to school with a medal and card thanking his teacher for saving his life.