Fri May 01, 2009 1:21 pm
Got this in an e-mail ...
"San Jose (Reuters) –
A 12-year old boy is being hailed as a hero for his actions in a San Jose restaurant yesterday afternoon. The boy was dining with his parents at the up-scale ‘Loft Bar & Bistro’ on Second St. , when a man began to choke on a piece of steak he was eating. The man’s face began to turn red as he pointed frantically at his hockey jersey.
Luckily for the man, 12-year old Steven Cooper knew what to do.
“I saw the man point to his Sharks jersey†recalled Steven. “I knew from past years that around late April anyone wearing a San Jose Sharks jersey is prone to choking, so I suspected he was in trouble.â€
The boy proceeded to run across the restaurant and administer the Heimlich maneuver.
“That boy saved my life.†Said the man, wishing not to be identified. “This Sharks jersey is better than a giant sign that says ‘help me, I am choking in late April.’â€.
Several Sharks players, who were getting a pre-game drink, witnessed the event. Patrick Marleau, the Sharks captain, had a front row seat for the heroism.
“This kid came from nowhere, what a hero.†Marleau stated. “I wish I could prevent choking like that,†He added.
Sharks goaltender Evgeni Nabokov was also in attendance. “That child, so brave!†Said the goalie as he mishandled his butter knife, dropping a dinner roll that hit the ground and rolled slowly between his feet as he attempted to stop it. “Darn, that always happens to meâ€.
Cooper’s parents said they raised the boy as a Sharks fan, and that may have been the best decision they ever made. “Only a boy used to so much choking would have been able to save that man, and little Stevie has been around choking his entire life.â€
Kick Rocks,
MajorJipp