Boy Scout Benjamin Hallquist is recognized by Fallon Troop #1776 for saving his mother, Jessica, during a barbecue.
Provided to the LVN
In a real-life merit badge test, a local Boy Scout saved his mother when she was choking.
Benjamin Hallquist was recently recognized by Fallon Troop 1776 for his quick response during the May 17 incident at the Logos Christian Academy volunteer appreciation barbecue. His mother, Jessica, and grandmother, Valerie Williams, were eating together, while he was sitting with some friends at a separate table.
Jessica Hallquist said she started to worry when a bite of steak didn’t go all the way down. She attempted to push it down with a second bite of steak and then drank some soda, but nothing happened when she tried to take a breath or cough. Williams saw that her daughter looked very uncomfortable and heard her making disturbing clicking sounds with each attempt to swallow. She went to her grandson’s table.
“I told Ben his mom was choking and he jumped up immediately,” Wallace said. “He pulled her into a standing position and positioned his hands to perform the Heimlich maneuver.”
Jessica Hallquist said she felt her son pull her out of her chair and heard him say to stand up.
“He had his fists to my torso,” she said. “The first thrust was a bit too low, so I moved his fists up just a bit and the second one knocked enough loose that I could breathe again.”
Hallquist said he joined the Scout troop about three years ago and started earning the large collection of required and extracurricular merit badges currently displayed on his sash. The First Aid badge he received last year included instructions on breathing emergencies and performing the Heimlich maneuver. Currently a Life Scout, he is working toward achieving Eagle Scout rank and serves as a Troop Guide on a weekly basis, helping the younger scouts with their learning and rank-ups.
“I was surprisingly calm for the situation,” he said. “I have God to thank for that. I acted and did as I was trained.”
Wallace is very proud of her grandson.
“I believe Ben saved his mom,” Wallace said. “He was very brave… I hope all the boys take the first aid class and take it seriously.”
Hallquist has also been nominated to receive a Lifesaving or Meritorious Action Award from Boy Scouts of America.