McDonald Cub Scout uses Heimlich to save brother’s life

McDONALD — Dinner began last Monday with corn dogs for 7-year-old Dominic Hathaway and Patrick Wynyard, 11, and ended with one brother saving the life of the other.

“I came into the living room, took a deep breath and said, ‘Mom, I just saved Dominick’s life,’” explained Patrick, a fifth-grader at Roosevelt Elementary School. “I was kind of scared, but I didn’t show it.”

The two boys were in the kitchen of their Watson-Marshall Road home when Dominick found himself suddenly choking on a piece of the hot dog. He exhibited the classic signs of choking — redness in the face and a hand clutching the throat — but also had close help from his older brother who knew how to apply the Heimlich maneuver.

The life-saving technique was one of several valuable skills Patrick said he learned as a Cub Scout. He also credited his father, Jamie Wynyard, a former Marine, for showing Patrick how it’s done. Both boys are members of Cub Scout Pack 15 of Warren.

At first, Patrick said, he thought his younger brother was “joking around.” But seeing Dominic in distress quickly dispelled that notion, Patrick explained, adding that he had to try the maneuver a few times before the piece of food finally became dislodged.

So, did the youngster take time afterward to ponder the significance of what he accomplished?

“It didn’t faze me as long as Dominic’s OK,” he said nonchalantly.

While experiencing his ordeal, Dominic was frightened because he suddenly realized he was unable to speak. The Roosevelt first-grader, however, was grateful his brother was on hand.

Despite his scare, Dominic added, he still plans to include hot dogs in future dinners.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.