Second Grader Saves Classmate with Heimlich Maneuver
- In a remarkable display of rapid thinking, a second-grader in North Carolina is being celebrated for using the Heimlich maneuver to save a classmate who was choking.
- On March 3, 2025, at Raleigh Oak charter Elementary, 9-year-old Jayceon Branch was playing basketball with friends when 7-year-old Donye Moore began to choke on a granola bar.
- The footage shows him reaching around Donye’s body and successfully performing two compressions of the Heimlich maneuver.
Second-Grader Hailed a Hero After Saving Choking classmate
Table of Contents
- Second-Grader Hailed a Hero After Saving Choking classmate
- Second-Grader Hailed a Hero After Saving Choking Classmate: A Q&A Guide to the Heimlich Maneuver
- The Heroic rescue
- Understanding the Heimlich Maneuver
- What is the heimlich maneuver?
- When should you perform the heimlich maneuver?
- How to perform the Heimlich maneuver on an adult or child over 1 year old:
- How to perform the Heimlich maneuver on a child under 1 year old:
- Is it safe to learn the Heimlich maneuver from YouTube?
- What are the benefits of formal training in first aid and the Heimlich maneuver?
- Key Differences: Adult vs. Child (Under 5) Heimlich
In a remarkable display of rapid thinking, a second-grader in North Carolina is being celebrated for using the Heimlich maneuver to save a classmate who was choking. The dramatic rescue, caught on video, unfolded during recess and highlights the importance of knowing basic first aid.
The Incident at Raleigh Oak Charter Elementary
On March 3, 2025, at Raleigh Oak charter Elementary, 9-year-old Jayceon Branch was playing basketball with friends when 7-year-old Donye Moore began to choke on a granola bar. According to footage obtained by WRAL News, Moore struggled to breathe and keeled over.
A Heroic Response
Without hesitation, Jayceon sprang into action. The footage shows him reaching around Donye’s body and successfully performing two compressions of the Heimlich maneuver.
Jayceon recounted the event, saying, “We were playing basketball, and he ate a granola bar, and we started playing longer until he started choking.”
Learning from YouTube
What makes this story even more incredible is that Jayceon learned the heimlich maneuver from watching YouTube videos. “I didn’t know he was actually, actually choking, so I just did my thing, which was a Heimlich. I learned it from watching YouTube,” he explained.
He also mentioned that he was inspired to learn the technique after witnessing a teacher use it to save another student.
Praise for a Young Hero
Teachers and parents alike have lauded Jayceon for his courageous and swift response.
Eric Johnson, executive director of the Raleigh school, stated, “He was a hero; he just saved a kid’s life.” He further added, “We teach our kids to take care of each other, so this is really just a prime example of that. Jayceon just jumped into action so quickly. We’re really proud of him.”
A Stronger Bond
The boys’ parents were amazed by the surveillance footage and noted that the near-fatal incident has strengthened the bond between the two young students.
Donye Moore’s mother, Aja, expressed her gratitude, saying, “At first, I wasn’t understanding that he had to be given the Heimlich maneuver or anything like that… It was surprising. I’m just thankful his friend was able to demonstrate that on him.”
A Hero’s Welcome
The school celebrated Jayceon’s heroic act with a “clap out,” where he and Donye walked through the halls as parents, teachers, and students cheered them on.
The Importance of Knowing the Heimlich Maneuver
This incident underscores the critical importance of knowing how to perform the Heimlich maneuver, especially for children. while Jayceon learned from YouTube, formal training can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the technique.
When to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver
- If a person is unable to speak or cough forcefully.
- If a person is gagging or making high-pitched sounds.
- For babies under 1 year old, signs include bluish skin, difficulty breathing, and inability to cry.
how to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver on a Child under 5
- Position yourself behind the child.
- Place one fist slightly above their navel.
- Grasp your fist with your other hand and give quick, upward thrusts into the abdomen.
Knowing how to perform the Heimlich maneuver can save a life. Jayceon Branch’s story is a powerful reminder of that.
Second-Grader Hailed a Hero After Saving Choking Classmate: A Q&A Guide to the Heimlich Maneuver
In a heartwarming story of speedy thinking and bravery, a second-grader in North Carolina saved his friend’s life by performing the Heimlich maneuver. This incident highlights the importance of knowing basic first aid, especially for children. This Q&A guide delves into the details of the story and provides crucial information about the Heimlich maneuver.
The Heroic rescue
What happened at Raleigh Oak Charter Elementary?
On March 3, 2025, at raleigh Oak Charter Elementary, 9-year-old Jayceon Branch saved 7-year-old Donye Moore from choking on a granola bar during recess. Footage shows Donye struggling to breathe before Jayceon quickly performed the Heimlich maneuver.
How did Jayceon know the Heimlich maneuver?
Jayceon learned the Heimlich maneuver from watching YouTube videos. He was also inspired after witnessing a teacher use the technique to save another student.
What was the reaction to Jayceon’s heroic act?
Teachers, parents, and the executive director of the school, Eric Johnson, lauded Jayceon for his heroic and swift response, calling him a hero. The school held a “clap out” to celebrate Jayceon and Donye.
Understanding the Heimlich Maneuver
What is the heimlich maneuver?
The heimlich maneuver, also known as abdominal thrusts, is a first-aid procedure used to dislodge an object blocking a person’s airway. It involves applying sudden pressure to the abdomen, forcing air out of the lungs to expel the obstruction.
When should you perform the heimlich maneuver?
Perform the Heimlich maneuver if a person shows the following signs of choking:
Inability to speak or cough forcefully
Gagging or making high-pitched sounds
Bluish skin (cyanosis), difficulty breathing, and inability to cry (especially in babies)
How to perform the Heimlich maneuver on an adult or child over 1 year old:
- Ask: “Are you choking? Can you speak?” If the person nods “yes” but cannot talk, proceed.
- Position yourself: Stand behind the person.
- Make a fist: Place a fist slightly above their navel.
- Grasp your fist: Grasp your fist with your other hand.
- Thrust: Give quick, upward thrusts into the abdomen.
- Repeat: Continue thrusts until the object is dislodged, or the person becomes unconscious.
- If the person becomes unconscious: Carefully lower them to the ground and start CPR, checking for the object in the airway each time you give rescue breaths.
How to perform the Heimlich maneuver on a child under 1 year old:
Note: Do not perform abdominal thrusts on infants.
- Hold the baby: Lay the baby face down along your forearm, supporting the head and jaw with your hand.
- Give back blows: Deliver five firm back blows between the baby’s shoulder blades using the heel of your hand.
- Turn the baby over: If the object is still lodged, turn the baby face up on your thigh, supporting the head.
- Give chest thrusts: Place two fingers on the middle of the baby’s breastbone, just below the nipple line.Give five quick downward chest thrusts, about 1.5 inches deep.
- Repeat: Continue back blows and chest thrusts until the object is dislodged, or the baby becomes unconscious.
- if the baby becomes unconscious: Start CPR, checking for the object in the airway each time you give rescue breaths.
Is it safe to learn the Heimlich maneuver from YouTube?
While Jayceon learned from YouTube, formal training is highly recommended. Formal training provides a more extensive understanding of the technique and allows for practice under the guidance of a certified instructor.Reputable organizations like the American Red Cross (https://www.redcross.org/) and the American Heart Association (https://www.heart.org/) offer certified courses.
What are the benefits of formal training in first aid and the Heimlich maneuver?
Formal training provides:
Proper technique: Ensures correct hand placement and thrusting technique.
Practice: Allows for hands-on practice with feedback from instructors.
Comprehensive knowledge: Covers other life-saving skills beyond the Heimlich maneuver.
Certification: Provides documentation of training for employers or personal knowledge.
Confidence: Increases confidence in responding to emergency situations.
Key Differences: Adult vs. Child (Under 5) Heimlich
| Feature | Adult | Child (Under 5) |
|—————–|———————————————|—————————————————|
| Hand Position | Fist above navel | Fist above navel (modified for smaller size) |
| Thrust Direction | Quick, upward thrusts | Quick, upward thrusts (gentler pressure) |
| Force | More force might potentially be needed | Less force, avoid injury to the child |
Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for any medical concerns or treatment.