Lunch time turned frightening for a boy in Valley Stream, Long Island.
Nicholas Landecho choked on a taco in the school cafeteria. Teachers patted him on the back trying to help, but it was a nine-year-old classmate who ultimately saved Nicholas.
The boys and their mothers appeared on Good Day New York to talk about the event.
“The taco got stuck in my throat. I drank some milk. I went to the aides. I couldn’t breathe, ” said Nicholas. “Marken ran over.”
That’s when Marken Suaza put his arms around Nicholas’ stomach and performed the Heimlich Maneuver.
“I think Nick spit into a garbage can,” said Marken.
The nine-year-old hero has Asperger’s syndrome – a form of autism.
Marken’s mother said she wasn’t surprised her son jumped into action.
“Children with Asperger’s are brilliant. Marken’s inpulsivity-which kids with Asperser’s get a bad rap for having- saved Nicolas’ life,” said Kenia Nunez.
“Nicholas was nervous. I was very happy to hear that Marken ran into action and didn’t think twice to save his friend. We’re so grateful to Nicolas,” said Maria Lendecho.
And how did Marken learn the Heimlich Maneuver?
“By reading the choking posters,” said the boy hero.
Originally posted on MyfoxNY.
