Lawrence high school student springs into action to save choking woman
By Dorissa White
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LAWRENCE, Kan. (KMBC) — A Lawrence, Kansas, teenager is being called a hero for jumping into action and saving a woman who was choking at an assisted living facility.
During a dinner at the Lawrence assisted living facility, an 18-year-old woman began choking and could not speak or breathe.
Adrian Mendoza, a senior at Free State High School, immediately stepped up to help, performing the Heimlich maneuver.
“It took a couple tries, but I successfully dislodged what was choking her,” he said.
Mendoza said he recognized the signs right away thanks to the Lawrence, Kansas, Police Department Teen Police Academy.
The woman who was choking is OK and extremely grateful that Mendoza was there to help.
“I’d rather be the person that knows I could save somebody if they’re in trouble than be someone who just watches,” Mendoza said.
His instructors are applauding his quick and life-saving actions.
“What an awesome kid he is,” said Bailey Salsbury, the school resource officer. “I think it’s a reflection of our program, showing that it does in fact work.”
He said helping others comes naturally to him. This experience has solidified his dream of becoming a police officer after college, Mendoza said.
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