Mount Vernon Student Recognized for Saving Classmate’s Life

MOUNT VERNON, S.D. (AP) — A 13-year-old Mount Vernon student has been recognized for saving the life of a classmate.

Jesse Hastings initially thought 14-year-old Lincoln Anderson was playing a practical joke on Nov. 3 when Anderson began choking on a water bottle cap. When Anderson's face began turning red, Hastings used the Heimlich maneuver to clear Anderson's airway in less than a minute.

The Daily Republic reports that Davison County Sheriff Steve Brink and some of his deputies surprised Hastings with a Life Saver Award on Wednesday. Brink says there's no doubt in his mind that Hastings saved Anderson's life.

Anderson also expressed thanks, saying that if weren't for Hastings, "I wouldn't be here."

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