In a heartwarming story of courage and quick thinking, young Anthony Killinger recently demonstrated the life-saving skills he learned in a CPR class at school. Just months after his training, a moment of crisis arose when his mother rushed to his bedroom with alarming news: his stepfather, Mike Reese, was unresponsive.

Without hesitation, Anthony dashed downstairs to find Mike unconscious and making an unusual snoring sound. In a moment filled with urgency and faith, he prayed for guidance, recalling the techniques he had just learned. “I call 911, and the dude on the phone is telling me to start doing CPR. I did it for like 8 minutes, and then he started breathing again,” Anthony recounted to WIVB 4 in Buffalo. Despite the challenge, he remained focused, checking Mike's pulse and noticing it was weak.

Those precious eight minutes made a world of difference, not only reviving Mike but also protecting his brain from damage caused by the lack of oxygen during cardiac arrest. When emergency responders arrived, they praised Anthony’s swift actions, affirming that he had truly saved his stepfather's life.

Anthony shared a remarkable statistic: “The doctor said it’s like a 9% chance to just survive cardiac arrest. Then it’s another thing to survive and have no brain damage. It was crazy that he survived and didn’t have anything.” Mike had previously undergone open-heart surgery in 2018, but thanks to Anthony’s quick response, his hospital stay this time was significantly shorter—just a week—before he left with a defibrillator implant.

The bond between Anthony and Mike is especially strong; they share not only family ties but also a friendship that deepened through this experience. When they reunited in the hospital, the emotions were overwhelming, highlighting the strength of their relationship.

Mike, reflecting on his recovery, expressed gratitude for Anthony’s bravery. Despite feeling fatigued—a common aftermath of cardiac arrest—he is thankful that his stepson was there for him during such a critical moment.

This inspiring incident emphasizes the importance of CPR training, which is often available at schools, community events, and fire stations at no cost. Learning CPR can empower individuals to save lives in any situation, reinforcing the belief that anyone can make a difference.

As we celebrate Anthony’s heroic actions, let this story serve as a reminder of the incredible impact that knowledge and preparedness can have in times of need.