Quick-thinking teacher saves pupil's life during asthma attack in class
The inhaler, provided by the pupil’s parents, was used under Farid’s guidance while he reassured the child and made sure he remained calm.
SHAH ALAM – When a Year One pupil sat silently and started sweating during class, teacher Muhammad Farid Ammar Suhaimi quickly realised something was wrong.
His quick response may have saved the boy’s life.
The 29-year-old Moral Education teacher, who teaches at a school in Kapit, Sarawak, recalled the incident which happened on Monday morning during a regular class session.
“I saw the pupil sitting silently and sweating, whereas he is usually very cheerful and talkative. When I asked him what was wrong, he immediately took out a small bag containing medication and an asthma inhaler
"Without hesitation, I called him to the front and helped him use the inhaler," he said.
The inhaler, provided by the pupil’s parents, was used under Farid’s guidance while he reassured the child and made sure he remained calm.
The teacher pressed the inhaler once and instructed the boy to breathe slowly.
He then made sure the pupil was stable, had plenty of rest and did not move around too much.
The moment, captured on video by Farid for his wife, quickly went viral on TikTok after being posted online, an outcome the teacher had never anticipated.
“I am not an influencer. I only posted it for keepsake. But if the video can open the eyes of the public on the importance of caring about pupils’ health, then I am truly grateful," he said.
Farid, who himself suffered from asthma as a child, said his past experience helped him stay composed during the situation.
“Yes, I had asthma myself when I was young. As far as I remember, the condition disappeared when I was in Year Five or Six and that helped me know what to do when the incident happened,” he added.
He also said the pupil’s condition was not critical, as he could still move and even danced a little in class, allowing time for immediate care.
Grateful that the situation was under control, Farid took the opportunity to urge all parties, including parents, teachers and students, to be better prepared for such emergencies.
“Parents should inform the school about their child’s medical history and ensure they carry the necessary medication. Teachers need to be alert and calm.
“Students, too, should be taught how to use an inhaler on their own," he said.
Originally from Rembau, Negeri Sembilan, Farid has been teaching in Sarawak for three years.
He hopes this incident will inspire more educators and parents to respond to emergencies with empathy and proper knowledge.
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