A student at Christ the King School, Atlanta, saved the life of a classmate in early October by performing the Heimlich maneuver, a skill he learned from reading the First Aid posters in the school’s classrooms.

Eighth-grader Will Galvin was in math class when he realized a fellow student was choking on a grape she had brought for a snack.  He quickly performed the Heimlich and dislodged the grape allowing the student to breathe.

According to Will’s mom, Kathy Galvin, he “has always been very observant and a quick thinker.  I’m thankful that he paid attention to the posters and was able to help.”

According to Principal Patricia Ward, “Will’s actions put the school’s safety procedures into action. On Oct. 9, he was truly one of our guardian angels.”

Alison Ellison, Project S.A.V.E. Coordinator for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, later honored Will with the Project S.A.V.E. Hero Award. Christ the King is a certified Project S.A.V.E Heart-Safe School.

The Heimlich Maneuver can be performed when a person’s airway is partially or completely blocked. For more information please www.redcross.org.