Photo Credit: Property of Ed Schneider
NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA (November 11, 2024)--Billy Carberry, an 8th grader at Our Lady of Calvary School in Northeast Philadelphia, rushed to the aid of his Pre-K classmate, Christopher, who was choking during lunchtime on Thursday, October 23. Carberry noticed Christopher was waving his hands in distress and his face was red. The 8th grader, age 13, performed the Heimlich maneuver on Christopher, and a piece of fruit leather dislodged, enabling the boy to breathe again.
When asked about his experience, Carberry said he felt fearful but hid it because “I didn’t want Christopher to feel scared,” he explained. His ability to think quickly and maintain his composure amid such pressure clearly made a crucial difference during that harrowing moment.
Billy's expertise in life-saving techniques stems from his 
extensive training as a Junior Lifeguard with the Wildwood.
Beach Patrol. This program has been a significant part of his summers as a resident of Wildwood, NJ, where he has eagerly participated for several years. “I learned so much about safety and how to assist others,” he said.
Beach Patrol. This program has been a significant part of his summers as a resident of Wildwood, NJ, where he has eagerly participated for several years. “I learned so much about safety and how to assist others,” he said.
The incident has drawn praise from teachers and parents alike, who commend the young man's courage and readiness to act. Wildwood Beach Patrol Captain Ed Schneider commended Billy's heroic efforts with an award recognizing his bravery and quick-thinking assistance to the boy. "A great deal of credit goes to Junior Lifeguard Instructor Jack Rauchut and his team for teaching junior lifeguards how to recognize dangerous situations," said Schneider. "Billy is a kid who paid attention and prevented a critical incident."
