Eight-year-old Thomas Conley from Mesa, Arizona, became a hero during lunch at Porter Elementary School when he saved his friend, Isaiah, from choking on a grape. Acting quickly, Thomas performed the Heimlich maneuver, successfully dislodging the grape and allowing Isaiah to breathe again. His quick thinking and bravery were recognized by the Mesa Fire and Medical Department, who presented him with a certificate at a school assembly.
Thomas’ mother, Candice, shared her pride, noting that Thomas had learned about food safety at home and acted instinctively. Isaiah’s family expressed heartfelt gratitude, calling Thomas’ actions life-saving. While Thomas has remained humble, saying, “My friend needed help, so I helped him,” the community has celebrated his bravery as an inspiration. This remarkable moment highlights the importance of teaching life-saving skills like the Heimlich maneuver, which has saved countless lives since its introduction in 1975.