AN A IN FIRST AID.

Byline: Lewis Taylor The Register-Guard

Kristian Tharp didn't go to the mall to be a hero, but that's what he became when he saved his younger brother, Austin, from choking on a piece of teriyaki chicken in a shopping center food court last month.

"I think it's really important to know first aid," said Kristian, 12, who administered a series of "abdominal thrusts" to his 8-year-old brother to clear the food from his throat. "If anything happens, you can jump in and help right away."

Kristian, who learned first aid and CPR last year during a class provided to most sixth-graders at Monroe Middle School, will be honored today with an award from the local chapter of the American Red Cross. Shirley Betournay, the physical education/health teacher who taught the class, also will be at the award ceremony.

"The ultimate goal in teaching is to stand back and watch a kid be successful," Betournay said. "I'm really proud of him."

Betournay has been teaching lifesaving techniques to sixth-graders for 14 years. She estimates that more than 2,400 children have earned first aid/CPR cards from her three-week class, which is taught in partnership with the American Red Cross. Students receive training in everything from administering chest compressions to treating burns, bleeding and heart attacks. They watch videos, complete a workbook and practice administering aid to Red Cross mannequins.

"Anyone can be a lifesaver," said Jenny Carrick, community relations director for the Oregon Pacific chapter of the American Red Cross. "Whether you are 13 or 60, the odds of encountering an emergency at some point in your life (are high)."

Carrick said there have been four documented cases of graduates from Betournay's classes saving lives.

The advantage of learning first aid and CPR techniques at an early age, she said, is that young students are more likely to retain what they've learned and less likely to be intimidated if they encounter an emergency situation.

Kristian Tharp's mother, Jennifer, says her son acted calmly and confidently during the choking incident, which happened Jan. 27. The family was watching a University of Oregon basketball game at the food court in the Valley River Center, when Austin Tharp grabbed his throat to signal he was choking. Kristian responded by placing his arms around his brother and positioning his hands beneath the rib cage. He performed one abdominal thrust and then repositioned his hands when the technique did not appear to be working, he said. After one or two more thrusts, the food came up, and a tearful Austin fell into his mother's lap.

"I don't think I've ever been so happy to hear somebody cry," Jennifer Tharp said.

Tharp says she was not surprised by her son's quick response. Although both she and her husband, Jim, have some first aid training, neither felt the need to intervene, she said.

"He jumped in and did it so quickly, he didn't ever give me cause (to question it)" she explained. "Kristian is a person who likes to help people. He never hesitates. He always jumps in when somebody's in need."

Kristian Tharp will be presented today with an Extraordinary Personal Action Award. The certificate is handed out by the local Red Cross to those who save lives. Later this month, he also will receive a Certificate of Merit Award from the national offices of the Red Cross. The award package includes medals and a certificate signed by President Bush.

KNOW WHAT TO DO

For more information on first aid and CPR training, call the Oregon Pacific Red Cross, 344-5244.

CAPTION(S):

A year after learning first aid as a sixth-grader, Kristian Tharp, 12, put his skills to use on his brother, Austin, 8, who was choking on a piece of chicken. Kristian will receive a Red Cross award for his actions in a ceremony today.