The San Bernardino City School District honored a teenage girl Tuesday for saving a boy’s life.
Janeth Santos received the Bravery and Courage award.
Over the summer, the 13-year-old heard a woman screaming for help. “I went to see what happened, and she asked me if I knew any medical things,” the teen recalled.
The woman was carrying her four-year-old son, Josh, who had turned blue from choking on a piece of candy.
When the 8th grader realized his airway was obstructed, she quickly used her fingers to pull the candy out.
“To be honest, I was really nervous,” the Curtis Middle School student said.
By the time paradmedics arrived, Josh was doing OK. The medics were so impressed with her story, they shared it with her school district.
The teen had learned CPR at school. “You remember everything your teacher teaches you. You remember to stop and keep calm,” she said.
Her principal and teacher were also on hand as Santos got her award.
“I hope other kids learn from that and really take their studies seriously,” Prinicipal Marlene Bicondoba said.
“I’m teaching five classes. So hopefully I’ll have 180 students that are CPR- and first-aid-certified,” teacher Jerrid Patton said.
The boy’s mother said she was thankful for Santos for saving her son’s life and was happy she was recognized for her bravery.