7-Year-Old Saves Choking Classmate With Heimlich Maneuver

When seven-year-old Sameer Santana saw his classmate Jabril choking during snack time, he didn't freeze or panic. He ran over and performed the Heimlich maneuver, dislodging an apple slice from his friend's throat and saving his life.

The remarkable rescue happened on April 9 at Stephen Olney Elementary School in North Providence, Rhode Island. Sameer was sitting with classmates when he noticed Jabril was in trouble.

"I saw him choking," Sameer recalled. While his teacher moved to call for help and calm the other students, Sameer sprang into action.

"And then I came and ran and did the Heimlich," the first grader said. Within moments, the apple slice was out and Jabril could breathe again.

The most amazing part? Sameer learned the lifesaving technique a full year earlier in his kindergarten health class. When it mattered most, that lesson stuck.

Sameer's mother, Ciara Santana, was stunned when she heard what her son had done. "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."

Sunny's Take

This week, North Providence threw Sameer a hero's celebration. Firefighters, police officers, classmates, and local leaders gathered to honor the brave second grader.

First responders presented Sameer with a Citizen's Award and named him honorary rescue captain for the day. The town even issued an official proclamation recognizing his quick thinking and courage.

"We're just super proud of Sameer and the initiative he took and kind of helping that situation out," said principal Stephen Pacitto. "We're thankful for him."

The story is a powerful reminder of why teaching kids basic first aid matters. One kindergarten health lesson became the difference between tragedy and triumph.

Sameer's story proves that heroes come in all sizes, and sometimes the smallest hands do the biggest things.