Justin (15) from Zuidbroek took a few first aid lessons three years ago. He didn’t finish the course, but he still knew the heimlich grip. Last week he saved his comrade’s life.
Chilling in the barn
It’s Friday night, the last night of spring break, and that means chilling with Justin. With about ten people, the group of friends is in Justin’s parents’ shed. It has been converted into a shack, but without alcohol. To keep an eye on things, his parents have installed a camera.
At half past eight, Justin had just gone to check on a group of smokers, he walks back into the shed. Loud music and disco lights blast at him. But he also hears some commotion among his friends. What is going on?
Security footage
A few days later, in the living room, Justin shows what he didn’t immediately see. The security camera filmed it crystal clear. (For privacy reasons, these images cannot be published.) A comrade − he does not want his name in the newspaper − leans forward against the table. Someone else clumsily holds him. Meanwhile, Justin is with two girls. After about half a minute he understands what is going on. He walks over to his friend, wraps his arms around his waist and pulls him up hard three times on his diaphragm. “Then the candy just popped right out of his throat.”
‘He was talking’
What happened? The teens are not allowed to drink in the shack, but a Napoleon candy can’t hurt. However? ,,He was talking to someone and then that candy was shot in his throat”, says Justin.
A few minutes after he saves his friend, he flies around his neck. ,,Thanks man, you saved my life.” Well, that’s right, Justin also knows. ,,That’s what Friends Are For.”
Parents proud
Justin remembered the heimlich grip from a first aid course he took when he was 12 years old. “I said: you have to do that. You never know what it’s good for”, says his father Pascal Weijenberg. ,,I just didn’t finish that course”, says Justin. ,,Too boring.”
Although their son remains calm, his parents are very proud. ,,He doesn’t think it’s all that special, but it is”, says father Pascal. He should know, because he trains company emergency response officers. ,,You don’t easily light the stove”, mother Kristel beams.
And that first aid course, is he going to finish it? “Yes, maybe later. I’ll see.”