Mom taught her 10-year-old the Heimlich — but never imagined she’d use it to save her little brother choking on candy
The importance of observance and astute action is being stressed day in and day out. Just realizing something is wrong gives a person a better chance at surviving or being saved from something dangerous. 10-year-old Leah and a 7-year-old, Logan, the children of Lavon Police Department Special Programs Admin, Heather James, experienced an instance that emphasized the need to be vigilant and quick to act, per TODAY. The duo was trying a viral challenge and it was all fun and games. Unfortunately, all of a sudden, things took a fateful turn, and had it not been for the 10-year-old’s sharp skills, the boy would have suffered tremendously.
The duo was playing on the trampoline while trying a viral Warheads challenge. It involved tasting sour candy to see who could retain the flavor in their mouth the longest. Leah decided to film while they tried the fun challenge. Both were playing and jumping on the trampoline when they bravely showed the piece of candy before putting it into their mouths. As Leah subtly jumped on her feet, Logan went all out and began rolling and jumping on the trampoline. After a few jumps, he sat up and stopped playing. In a matter of seconds, his older sister noticed the scary sign. Logan was holding his neck and struggling to breathe.
The 7-year-old was choking after the candy got stuck in his throat. "I fell back. It went down my throat. It went in like the middle of my throat," Logan recalled, per Inside Edition. The little girl didn’t waste a second and immediately began tapping him on his back. When that didn’t work, she quickly got behind him and performed the Heimlich Maneuver, a technique administered on those who are choking and cannot breathe. Having learned the method from her mother, she didn’t hesitate to execute it instantly. “Leah knew exactly what to do in that critical moment. And because of her quick thinking and courage, her brother is safe today,” the department’s caption read.
Calling the situation a “life-or-death emergency,” the department praised the girl, saying, “Leah proved that age is no barrier when it comes to being a hero.” Lavon's Chief of Police Michael Jones added, "She moved like she's been doing this for years.” The boy was eventually fine, the piece of candy was dislodged and he took a moment to catch his breath before Leah got off the trampoline and shut her phone off. She immediately got her mom, who took control of the situation. Commending her daughter, James said, “She has always been exceptional and I think she just blew me away with that one.”
The department has decided to honor Leah for her response and bravery in a City Council Meeting in November. They have also issued an important takeaway from this experience. “Let this be a powerful reminder to all parents, caregivers, and community members: Teach your children CPR and choking rescue techniques. You never know when those few minutes could mean everything,” the post read. Gloria Black said, “Incredible! Deserves an award, regardless of her relationship to him.” Monica Orite added, “She stayed calmer than some adults could. Terrible thing to experience but she handled it beautifully. What a great big sister!”
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