A 17-year-old is being credited for saving a life at a local ice cream shop.
Jacob Vieira was working at Bliss Dairy in Attleboro, when suddenly someone shouted, "Is anyone here a doctor?"
"I turned around and everyone was kind of frozen," said Jacob.
Jacob has had extensive training in CPR and first aid in order to be a lifeguard at the Attleboro YMCA. Armed with that knowledge, he jumped into action and ran over to the choking man. On the first attempt at the Heimlich maneuver, he cleaned the man's airways.
The crowd at Bliss Dairy erupted into applause.
"This experience is truly humbling. I'm grateful that all my training paid off," said Jacob.
The principal of Attleboro High School, where Jacob is a junior, said he wasn't surprised when he heard who was helped saved the man. He said Jacob is always willing to help others.
"It validates why I got into education 30 years ago. It's what we want to try to do with all of our young people," said Principal Bill Runey.
Jacob hopes that schools will incorporate CPR training into their curriculum because it can be the difference between life and death.
"He never ceases to amaze me," said his mother, Nancy Vieira. "I know he would do anything to help someone in need."
Jacob said he hopes to join the Air Force after graduation.
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