La Joya student uses skills to save grandfather

On October 3rd, Jose G Ramirez, Jr. a 10th grade student at La Joya High School, was sitting at home having dinner with his family when suddenly, his 85-year-old grandfather, Ubaldo Ramirez, began to choke and passed out on the floor.

"I thank God that I remembered what I had learned in the Boy Scouts, it saved my grandpa's life,” says Jose as he recounts the incident.

It was Jose’s quick thinking that made him call 9-11 and follow the advice given to him by phone on what to do when someone is choking. Jose was determined to save his grandfather’s life and would not give up in performing the Heimlich Maneuver. After several attempts, the

food was dislodged and the grandfather was rushed to the hospital where he stayed overnight for observation.

“It was a very scary moment,” says Gloria Ramirez, Jose’s mother. “When the paramedics arrived, they congratulated Jose and told us that had it not been for his quick action and ability to follow instructions, his grandpa would not have made it to the hospital. They said he did a very good job in saving his grandfather.”

“Now were all going to celebrate my birthday this weekend along with my grandpa," says Jose.

“As far as my grandpa goes, he's not able to comment due to a stroke he suffered about a year ago, but he's been asking for my brother about every five minutes....’donde esta Pito, donde esta Pito?’” says Jose’s sister, Isela.

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