A 12-year-old boy from Florida named Austen MacMillan became a real-life hero when he saved his behavioral therapist from drowning.
But what makes this act even more incredible is that Austen learned the life-saving technique of CPR from an unlikely source – the Netflix show “Stranger Things.” The therapist, whose name is Jason Piquette, was at Austen’s home in Palm Beach County when he got in their backyard pool. According to ABC News, he wanted to see how long he could hold his breath underwater, but after about five minutes, Austen panicked and jumped into action.
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“It was like six to five minutes he was under the water and I was like, ‘That’s way too long. He cannot do that,’” the teen said. “I just saw it from a TV show – Stranger Things. After I gave him CPR, he woke up a few minutes later.”
Without hesitation, he got in the pool and pulled Jason out of the water as he called for help. Drawing on his knowledge from one of his favorite TV shows, Austen performed CPR on Piquette until he regained consciousness. The video capturing this awe-inspiring rescue quickly went viral, and both families involved hope that it serves as a reminder of the importance of teaching children CPR skills and how to dial 911 in emergencies.
Austen’s quick thinking and selflessness in the face of danger have rightly earned him praise from his mother and Piquette. Their admiration for his bravery is well-deserved, as it is not every day that we hear about a 12-year-old saving a drowning man’s life using skills learned from a television show. It serves as a testament to the power of education and how knowledge gained from unexpected sources can make a significant difference.
The incident also highlights the crucial need for CPR training among individuals of all ages. In emergency situations like drowning, every second counts, and having the ability to administer CPR can mean the difference between life and death. By learning this life-saving technique at such a young age, Austen has undoubtedly become an inspiration for others to take up CPR training and become prepared to act in critical situations.
His story captivated people worldwide, not only because of the dramatic rescue itself but also because it demonstrates the potential impact of popular culture on our lives. “Stranger Things,” a show beloved by millions, inadvertently became Austen’s teacher in a life-saving skill, proving that inspiration can be found in unexpected places.