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Autistic teen saves classmate with Heimlich maneuver after learning it on ‘SpongeBob’

Autistic teen saves classmate with Heimlich maneuver after learning it on ‘SpongeBob’

SpongeBob SquarePants can be credited for a few things – entertaining millions of children with countless hours of silly entertainment, making its creators a fortune from merchandising, and now, saving lives.

A 13-year-old autistic boy from New York says he was able to perform the Heimlich maneuver on a classmate who was choking on an apple, thanks to learning the life-saving technique from watching the cartoon.

Brandon Williams sprung to action when he noticed his classmate Jessica Pellegrino struggling to breathe in his school’s cafeteria. He wrapped his arms around her torso, and pushed down on her diaphragm with his fits, which helped dislodge the piece of food from her throat.

When his father later asked Brandon where he learned that technique, his son told him from the popular cartoon.

“He picks up on things that most of us would miss, and files it all away in his head, and he can recall it all in an instant,” his dad Anthony told Silive.com. “That’s how he knew instantly what to do. And we’re glad he did. We’re proud of him.”

Jessica showed gratitude to her classmate that saved her life, smiling broadly and giving him a big hug.

“I just love her,” Brandon said.

The school put on a party for the pair, where some adult commented that Brandon deserves a medal for his heroism. He modestly refused.

“I don’t need a medal. I’m good; I’m good,” he replied.