A quick-thinking 9-year-old North Carolina student is being hailed as a hero after saving his classmate from choking by performing the Heimlich maneuver.
The incident took place last week at Raleigh Oak Charter Elementary School and was captured on security cameras. Jayceon Branch sprang into action when he noticed his 7-year-old friend, Donye Moore, struggling to breathe after choking on a granola bar during a break on the basketball court.
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Without hesitation, Jayceon performed the Heimlich maneuver, successfully dislodging the food and saving Donye’s life.
“I learned it from watching YouTube,” Jayceon told WRAL. “Because a teacher saw a student choking and the student came to the teacher and started doing this, and then the teacher started doing what I did to Donye.”
Eric Johnson, executive director of Raleigh Oak Charter School, praised Jayceon’s swift and courageous response. “He was a hero; he just saved a kid’s life,” Johnson said.
The emotional moment was also shared by the boys’ mothers, who watched the security footage together. Donye’s mother, Aja Moore, expressed her gratitude. “I’m just thankful his friend was able to demonstrate that on him,” she said.
To honor Jayceon’s bravery, the school held a “clap out” on Monday, where students, teachers, and parents cheered as Jayceon and Donye walked the halls. Jayceon made sure Donye was celebrated too, highlighting the strength of their friendship.
“We really try to teach that at our school. We’re really proud of him,” Johnson added.
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