On a sun-soaked afternoon in Palm Beach County, Florida, the backyard pool became the backdrop for an unexpected turn of events.
A therapist was feeling playful and decided to demonstrate his ability to hold his breath underwater to young Austen MacMillan.
As seconds ticked by, the light-hearted challenge swiftly shifted. Austen was concerned.
Austen, a bright-eyed seventh-grader, watched with growing unease.
Minutes seemed to stretch endlessly as the therapist remained submerged.
“Six to five minutes… that’s way too long,” Austen thought, recalling his words to Good Morning America.
And he was right. The therapist had been underwater for far too long.
Without wasting a second, Austen dived into the deep end.
With determination and a courage that belied his age, he managed to pull his therapist, Jason Piquette, to the safety of the pool steps.
But the ordeal was far from over.
Austen’s quick glance around revealed no one in sight to help.
Racing to the front of the house, Austen called out for assistance, but his pleas echoed unanswered.
Realizing he was on his own, he returned to Jason’s side.
Drawing from a memory of an episode from “Stranger Things,” Austen began administering CPR.
It’s astonishing to think that a TV show could equip a young boy with such a crucial life-saving skill.
As Austen continued his efforts, hope flickered when Jason began to show signs of life.
The timing couldn’t have been more cinematic.
Just as Jason regained consciousness, Austen’s father, Andrew MacMillan, arrived home.
Hearing his son’s frantic shouts, he dropped his groceries and immediately dialed 911.
The aftermath of the incident was a whirlwind of emotions.
Jason, still coming to terms with the near-death experience, expressed his awe at Austen’s bravery.
“I’m just so amazed at how strong he was,” he shared, emphasizing that Austen truly was a hero in every sense of the word.
The news of Austen’s heroics spread like wildfire.
His mother, Christina, who wasn’t home during the incident, was overwhelmed with pride and emotion.
“It was definitely a really proud mom moment,” she said, her voice filled with admiration for her son’s courage.
The story doesn’t end with Austen’s bravery.
The MacMillan family, inspired by the day’s events, decided to host a CPR class for their friends and family.
Their hope? To equip others with the knowledge that could potentially save a life.
See more of Austen’s incredible bravery in the video below!
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