Young Student Saves Peer with Quick Thinking
May 8, 2026
An impressive act of bravery in Rhode Island has led to widespread praise for a young student who demonstrated life-saving skills during a critical situation.
Sameer Santana / Credit: WPRI
At Stephen Olney Elementary School, a seven-year-old named Sameer Santana rose to the occasion when he observed that his classmate Jabril was choking during snack time on April 9.
“I saw him choking,” Sameer noted when recounting the event.
With the teacher attempting to manage the situation by calling for help and keeping the other students calm, Sameer took swift action. Drawing from his lessons in kindergarten health class, he performed the Heimlich maneuver.
“And then I came and ran and did the Heimlich,” Sameer said.
The maneuver was successful in dislodging the apple slice stuck in Jabril’s throat, averting a potential crisis.
Sameer’s mother, Ciara Santana, expressed her astonishment at her son’s ability to act decisively in such a tense moment. “As a 7-year-old, I don’t really expect for him to know something like that,” she said. “So for me, it was a shocking moment. There was really no words.”
In recognition of his courageous actions, North Providence celebrated Sameer with a special event featuring local police, firefighters, classmates, and town officials.
During this celebration, Sameer received a Citizen’s Award and was named an honorary rescue captain for the day. The town also issued a formal proclamation to honor his bravery.
“We’re just super proud of Sameer and the initiative he took and kind of helping that situation out,” commented principal Stephen Pacitto. “We’re thankful for him.”
