By Ryan Pilon

Brother to the rescue

Jun 14, 2011 | 12:03 PM

The bond between brothers Christopher and Nick Martin is now stronger than ever after a near-death experience and the heroics of Christopher which saved Nick’s life.

“It feels good, knowing that he’s beside me,” said Christopher, 13 years old.

“He was really awesome, and you know what? I have to repay him, and be really, really nice to him,” said eight-year-old Nick.

On May 8, 2011, the boys were eating supper with their father and grandmother, when suddenly, Christopher noticed Nick was in discomfort.

“His face starts to turn red, and I don’t understand why his face is turning red, and then he looks to the bathroom, then he looks to my dad, and he starts to cough, but he can’t cough,” said Christopher.

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His brother was choking on a piece of steak. His dad tried slapping Nick’s back, but to no avail.

“I was so scared that that was happening, it was like, really, really scary for me,” said Nick.

That is when Christopher took action, and performed the Heimlich Maneuver on his brother.

“I didn’t really control myself, it was just a first reaction kind of thing,” said Christopher.

Christopher performed the maneuver perfectly, and forced the food from Nick’s windpipe.

It was fortunate timing. Christopher had just learned how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver just a couple weeks prior, when, as part of the Air Cadets he had taken a first aid course through St. John Ambulance.

“Talk about lucky timing,” said Christopher.
Because of his heroic act, Christopher is receiving a lot of recognition.

Deborah Martin, the boys’ mother, said that her phone has been ringing off the hook.

Christopher is going to receive a lifesaving award from St. John Ambulance, an award through the Air Cadets, and recognition from Premier Brad Wall.

“You know what, he deserves all the attention that’s coming to him. I just never thought it would do this,” said Deborah.

“I got a phone call from someone from Ontario… for recognizing him for his safety and for his first aid, for his reaction. He’s got a lot of attention… I was proud of him before, but I can’t even tell you how proud I am now.”

Deborah was in British Columbia on the day of the incident, visiting her dad, and said she was told about what happened over the phone.

“I can’t even imagine losing a child,” said Deborah.
“It was the greatest Mother’s Day gift ever. Something you would never ask for.”

Deborah said that she has noticed Christopher has changed a bit since saving his brother, growing even more mature. She’s also recognized that Christopher and Nick are even closer now, which she believes will be a bond that will now never be broken.

However, Christopher doesn’t hesitate to point out Nick is in his debt.

“He owes me now,” joked Christopher.

rpilon@panow.com