When a seven-year-old boy saved his classmate’s life by performing the Heimlich maneuver on another kid who was choking on food, he became a hero. Young David Diaz, Jr., learned how to perform the Heimlich maneuver because he had watched The Good Doctor television series with his family and seen the life-saving technique on screen. Despite being just a second-grade student at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School in Binghamton, New York, Diaz rose to the occasion and rescued the other child choking on food during class time.
During the school lunch hour, DeAndre’s classmate, Diaz, Jr., used a Heimlich maneuver on his friend. His first attempt to dislodge it resulted in DeAndre choking and losing consciousness. As soon as he saw that his buddy was in danger, Diaz, Jr. leaped up and ran behind him to prepare for the Heimlich maneuver, which he had seen actors from The Good Doctor use on the show to save a patient’s life.
DeAndre was able to breathe again after DIAZ, JR. correctly carried out the Heimlich maneuver and freed the pizza piece from his throat. DeAndre was able to breathe again as a result of DIAZ, JR.’s efforts. If it wasn’t for The Good Doctor, which features Freddie Highmore in the ABC series, Deandre may not have survived long enough.
Because the kids were so close, Diaz Sr. decided to save DeAndre since he was the closest. He thinks it is your duty, as a Good Samaritan, to “always” assist people who are “in danger” because it is their obligation. The kid said he didn’t consider what he was doing and just acted on impulse.
“If anybody is choking or is in danger, you always have to save them. If you don’t, then that could be really sad,” Diaz said. “I didn’t know what to do, so I just did it.”
When the choking incident occurred, Kristin Korba was monitoring the cafeteria as a second-grade teacher at the elementary school. After she watched Diaz, Jr. save DeAndre’s life, she spoke with the young hero. He told her that he had seen doctors on television using the Heimlich maneuver and decided to remember it in case he ever needed it during an important moment – which ended up being exactly what happened!
Senator Fred Akshar visited David Diaz, Jr.’s elementary school after news of his heroism broke. He presented Diaz with the State Senate Commendation Award for bravery in helping another little boy survive a choking incident.
“David Jr. acted without hesitation, jumped in, and performed the Heimlich maneuver to save DeAndre’s life,” the senator said. “We were proud to present David Jr. with a New York State Senate Commendation Award for exemplifying what it means to be a hero in his community.”
David Diaz Sr. beamed with pride when discussing his son with Fox News.
“I’m very proud of my son,” the dad said. “He’s an angel in my eyes. If he’d like to pursue becoming a doctor when he grows up, I’ll be happy to help him achieve that later in life. But it’s really up to him.”
