When snack time turned scary at a Rhode Island elementary school, a 7-year-old stepped in and saved a classmate who was choking.
Sameer Santana, a second grader at Stephen Olney Elementary School in North Providence, was sitting with classmates on April 9 when he noticed another student, Jabril, was in trouble.
“I saw him choking,” Sameer recalled to WJAR.
As the classroom teacher moved to call for help and calm the students, Sameer reacted instantly. He rushed over and performed the Heimlich maneuver, something he had learned the year before in kindergarten health class.
“And then I came and ran and did the Heimlich,” Sameer said.
Moments later, the apple slice lodged in Jabril’s throat was dislodged.
Sameer’s mother, Ciara Santana, said she was stunned by what her son was able to do under pressure.
“As a 7-year-old, I don’t really expect for him to know something like that,” she said. “So for me, it was a shocking moment. There was really no words.”
This week, North Providence honored Sameer during a special celebration attended by firefighters, police officers, classmates and local leaders.
First responders presented him with a Citizen’s Award and named him honorary rescue captain for the day. The town also issued an official proclamation recognizing his bravery.
“We’re just super proud of Sameer and the initiative he took and kind of helping that situation out,” principal Stephen Pacitto said. “We’re thankful for him.”
Read more from WPIR.
