Who doesn’t remember their first job? Surely there are lots of memories that come up – but not many people can say they actually saved a life on their second day.
But one Ohio teen can.
A lot of us got our first job when we were in our early to mid-teens. It’s an important rite of passage when it comes to becoming an adult and it teaches us a lot of skills. Beyond learning how to deal with people and show up on time, it also lets us experience what it’s like to be under pressure.
For most teen jobs, there isn’t a whole lot at stake most of the time. Mostly, teens just need to listen to their boss and be nice to customers.
Still, sometimes these jobs can lead to something out of the ordinary.
The story took place in Sycamore Township, Ohio at a local restaurant called Skyline Chili.
It was 16-year-old Austin Goddard’s second day of work at the restaurant and it began like any other. Austin was just doing his job, completing responsibilities like bussing tables and refilling ice containers.
Still, something caught his eye during this process. There was a man sitting at a table who fell over in his chair. It was obvious he needed help.
The situation quickly became an emergency.
The restaurant staff asked if anyone knew how to do CPR—and fortunately, Austin sprang into action.
The customer, Larry, had collapsed where he was sitting. After a few moments of CPR, Larry came back to life and was rushed off-site to the hospital by a team of medics. Fortunately for Austin, he and his entire class had learned CPR in high school that previous year.
He told ABC News:
“My adrenaline was going and fear wasn’t a factor in the moment,” Austin said. “It all kind of kicked in [afterwards] and I was like, ‘Wow.’”
Luckily, 74-year-old Larry was ok thanks to Austin’s intervention.
After his recovery, Larry even sent Austin a special thank you card for his efforts.
According to Sarah Sicking, the director of marketing at Skyline Chili, the company is taking pains to make sure the high schooler’s heroism is recognized.
“We are just so proud of Austin for taking care of our customer,” Sicking said. “He took [it] above and beyond and saved a man’s life. It takes a lot of courage and it was only his second day of work.”
By no surprise, Austin’s mom Shannon was also very proud of her son. She actually works at the restaurant as well. She told LOCAL 12:
“I thought it was amazing. He has the complete different reaction to emergencies than I do. I freeze. You know, a lot of people do and he like goes into action.”
Austin’s story goes to show that teens can do incredible things, and sometimes even a mundane job can turn upside down in a heartbeat. What a hero he is!
Press play on the video below to see how this teen saved a customer on his second day of work!
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