5th Grader Saves Choking Classmate, Says He Knew What To Do After Watching Documentary

February 22, 2018

A 5th grader has been credited with saving the life of a choking classmate and he says he knew what to do by remembering a documentary he watched years ago.

good news 2018
Benjamin Ford and his mother / Credit: WTVR.com CBS 6

Benjamin Ford jumped into action when he noticed a classmate starting to turn colors and gasping for breath.

"I wasn't really calm, my heart was racing I just knew I had to help her," he told CBS 6 News.

Though he was nervous, Greenwood Elementary school officials said the fifth grader had all the right moves.

"I felt like I had to hurry up and get to her," Benjamin said. "I thought in a couple more seconds she might not make it."

Ben has been recognized by Greenwood Elementary school administrators, who shared the story of his heroic intervention with the entire school.

A step-by-step guide explaining what to do in a choking emergency.

If the person is choking and can't talk, the American Red Cross recommends a "five-and-five" approach to delivering first aid:

1. Give 5 back blows.

2. Give 5 abdominal thrusts. To perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) on someone else:

Stand behind the person. Wrap your arms around the waist. Tip the person forward slightly. Make a fist with one hand. Position it slightly above the person's navel. Grasp the fist with the other hand. Press hard into the abdomen with a quick, upward thrust — as if trying to lift the person up.

3. Alternate between 5 blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until the blockage is dislodged.


Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz

feel good videoCouple Rescues Prairie Dog From Their Dog's Mouth, Then Decides To Adopt It

feel good storiesThese Are The Movie Scenes People Say Are Absolutely Flawless

feel good storiesJudge Waives Parking Fines So Dad Can Keep Supporting Son’s Space Dreams

feel good storiesHungry Elephant Casually Walks Into Grocery Store For Snacks In Thailand

feel good storiesWild Orcas Keep Giving Humans Gifts, Leaving Experts Puzzled

feel good storiesMy Girlfriend Gifted Me My Father’s Handwriting To Keep Forever

feel good videoThe Funniest Dog Reactions To Hearing 'Walk' — You’ll Be Laughing Out Loud

feel good videoHero Dog Named RAMBO Scares Off Masked Robbers To Save Woman

feel good videoUPS Driver Joins Teenagers On Graduation Slip ’N Slide

feel good video'Two Pure Souls': Dog Warms Stranger's Heart At Lacrosse Game

feel good video'Am I Allowed To Be This Happy?' The Moment A Nervous Foster Dog Finally Lies In A Dog Bed

Chris Filippou 12:17 PM (3 minutes ago) to me