The quick actions of local high school students show the value of teaching life safety lessons and learning them.
When Craig Cook, 15, began choking his best friend Brad Kantor, 16, knew what to do because of a course taught in school. Cook, in
clear manner learned in the Falls High School health class, signaled his need for emergency help from his friends. Kantor recognized Cook's signals from the same class and performed two methods of the Heimlich maneuver until he expelled the food from Cook's throat.
Both boys deserve credit for knowing what was needed in the emergency and having the presence of mind to do it. Others, even more mature than these two young men may have panicked or not known what to do in the situation. And that could have spelled tragedy.
Kantor and Cook's knowledge very well saved Cook's life. It drives home how important it is for people to learn such lessons, as well
as to take CPR and first aid courses. Each year the local Red Cross offers classes on what to do in emergency situations. And while these young men were at a friend's house in Littlefork, time was still important in performing these lifesaving maneuvers.
The two estimate that Cook was without air for 1 1/2 minutes. This information is especially important for Borderland, where many people enjoy recreational activities in remote and isolated areas and obtaining medical help would likely take more than just minutes.
Kantor and Cook deserve credit for learning well these important life safety lessons, and schools that teach these courses deserve thanks from the community.