Somerset teen recognized nationally for saving choking woman
SOMERSET, Mass. (WPRI) — Ben Courville has always wanted to be a firefighter.
It was a dream come true for the 15-year-old from Somerset said it was a dream come true when he was accepted into Dighton's junior firefighter program.
Retired Lt. Tom Medeiros runs the program and said they all have to be first responder and CPR certified.
He put that training to the test in June when he saved a woman who was choking at a restaurant in Fall River. After performing the Heimlich maneuver, she started breathing and talking again.
"She looked in distress so she got up and I was like, are you choking, and she nodded her head," Courville said. "I kind of just relied on my training and remembered what to do."
The city of Fall River recognized Courville as a hero and now he's getting national attention. He traveled to New York City for a special ceremony acknowledging the brave actions of first responders nationwide.
"They come from all over the state not just Dighton," Medeiros said. "It gives them the confidence to know they're getting the right training and the ability to do something in an emergency."
Courville said he plans to go on to volunteer and hopefully, one day be part of a paid department.
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