California Highway Patrol officer Art Montiel was busy shopping inside a Redwood City grocery store when he heard the panic cries of a mother in agony.
He quickly located the woman, who was slapping her 5-year-old son’s back. He was choking on a grape.
Montiel’s training had taught him he had very little time to waste. He rushed over and began emergency medical aid for an obstructed airway.
He administered abdominal thrusts and back blows all the while shouting to others nearby to all 911.
Eventually, the boy spit up the small grape. He began breathing normally and color returned to his face.
Montiel continued aiding the boy until paramedics arrived to take over.
“It is extremely fortunate that Officer Montiel happened to be in the right place at the right time,” said Captain Mike Maskarich in a prepared statement. “Swift and correct action is extremely important when you have an obstructed airway.”
The boy -- Miguel Alvarez -- quickly recovered from his Friday brush with death and was able to meet his hero in person earlier this week.
