On November 14, 2023, Thomas Conley, an 8-year-old second grader at Porter Elementary School in Mesa, Arizona, displayed remarkable courage when he saved his friend's life during lunch. The heroic act occurred when Thomas's classmate, Isaiah Rodriguez, began choking on a grape, prompting Thomas to swiftly intervene.
The incident unfolded as Thomas and Isaiah enjoyed their meals. Suddenly, Isaiah stood up, his face distressed, struggling to breathe. "I heard him crying, so just like, 'What’s wrong?'" Thomas recalled. The moment quickly escalated, and Thomas recognized the urgent situation—his friend was choking. Without hesitation, he sprang to action, wrapping his arms around Isaiah's abdomen and performing the Heimlich maneuver.
This quick thinking paid off, as Thomas successfully dislodged the grape, allowing Isaiah to breathe normally. Isaiah's mother, Maria Anderson, expressed her gratitude, saying, "I’m super grateful, and I wanted him to know how proud I was of him and how thankful I was." She also highlighted the long-time friendship shared between the two boys, which made the incident even more poignant.
For his bravery, Thomas was honored during a school assembly, where the Mesa Fire and Medical Department presented him with a certificate of recognition. "Thomas turned a regular lunchtime...saving Isaiah's life from a choking incident," stated the fire department. This was not just any recognition; it was especially meaningful considering the school had previously experienced a tragic choking incident years ago, underlining the importance of Thomas's actions.
Thomas's mother, Candice Conley, conveyed immense pride for her son’s quick-thinking and bravery. She attributed his ability to act decisively to the food safety discussions they frequently have at home, stemming from their family's background in the food industry. "Thomas is very quick-thinking and active — and he’s just a really good friend," Candice said. "I think a lot of people, maybe even some adults, might not realize someone’s choking. Thomas just knew he had to get air to go up to dislodge the grape.”
When asked how he felt about the attention surrounding his actions, Thomas humbly downplayed the significance of his heroism, stating, "It’s because I don’t want Isaiah to die." This nonchalant response reflects his pure intent and care for his friend, emphasizing the essence of friendship and support.
Following the incident, Thomas has garnered attention from various media outlets, his story serving as an inspiring narrative for many. The incident has raised discussions around the importance of choking prevention, particularly emphasizing how swift action can critically save lives.
The Heimlich maneuver, introduced by Dr. Henry Heimlich in 1975, is recognized as the first line of treatment for airway obstruction. According to the American Heart Association, this method boasts a success rate exceeding 86% for choking incidents, highlights its importance as part of emergency-first aid training. Understanding and performing this maneuver can be life-saving, especially for children who are more prone to choking hazards.
Following Thomas's act of bravery, the Mesa Fire and Medical Department stressed, "Join us in applauding this young hero. Thomas, you inspire us to act courageously and quickly." Their recognition echoes the sentiments of many who witnessed Thomas's exceptional response.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Thomas appears to handle his newfound hero status with grace; his mother noted he has remained quite "nonchalant" about the entire experience, saying he helped because it was simply what needed to be done. "It’s super cool,” she added, “that Thomas had a part in raising awareness about choking because it could have gone really awful.”
The bond between Isaiah and Thomas continues to strengthen as both boys recover from the unexpected scare. Their story not only resonates within their local community but also serves as a reminder of the value of knowing how to respond during emergencies. The power of friendship, quick thinking, and preparedness can make all the difference when lives are at stake.
