Today's Neighbourhood Hero is a young boy whose quick action saved another boy's life ... but that's not why he is a "Neighbourhood Hero".

In our eyes he is a Neighbourhood Hero because of something he did before he saved that life. He chose to do a Babysitter Training program, something that any other teen or preteen could do, and it was that training that gave him the skills he needed to be a lifesaver, a Neighbourhood Hero.

We hope that by telling this story, we will encourage other young people to register for a similar course. We might even motivate some adults to take first aid training. Who knows, by telling this story we just might save another life.

Two Grade 7 students, Brooke McNabb and Shannon Sedola nominated today's Neighbourhood Hero and wrote the following story.

On a cold and cloudy December morning, 12 year-old Trevor Prince of Saltair bravely stood out among his peers and acted right away to save a boy's life.

As others stood frozen or ran away, Trevor performed the Heimlich maneuver on an 11 year-old boy who was choking on the school grounds of Mount Brenton elementary school.

The boy was eating a pretzel while he walked and did not fully finish chewing before he swallowed. That's why he choked.

Trevor saw him on his knees able only to make a squealing sound and unable to breath. He ran over, dropped to his knees and performed the Heimlich maneuver.

Derek Wickstrom was the boy Trevor saved. Derek got up and walked away unharmed. He was surprised that Trevor had been able to help him.

Trevor had taken a Babysitter Training program only a month before. He was very fortunate to have taken the course.

"I would do it again if I had to," Trevor says. "I was very grateful for the award that I won but I think anyone could do it."

Trevor is absolutely right, anyone could have done what he did -- if they had taken the training he had taken -- but when they were needed, there was no one else around who knew what to do.

Today's twelve year-olds lead busy lives. Trevor could have come up with a dozen excuses to avoid taking that training. He might have said he had too much homework to do or he could have decided to spend his time doing fun things like play with his friends or his computer or the neighbour's dog or simply watch television.

But the fact remains, if Trevor hadn't taken that course, Derek Wickstrom would have been in a lot of trouble just a month later.

Might one of the other kids have known what to do? Maybe, but remember, no one else came forward when they were needed. Might some of the kids have got to a teacher in time? Perhaps. Might someone else been nearby and able to help. Possibly. But fortunately, no one else was needed because Trevor was there prepared to meet that emergency, prepared to save a life.

Babysitter Training programs are available through Nanaimo Parks, Recreation and Culture (756-5200) and at the Recreation and Parks Department (248-3253) in Parksville / Qualicum Beach.

These programs teach such things as first aid, safety, child care, how to handle emergency situations, and understanding a babysitter's rights and responsibilities when handling children. The programs also cover fun things to do with children, games, rainy day activities and crafts.

Let's hope that Trevor's story motivates many more young people to register for one of these Babysitter Training programs. We would all benefit from having more young people who have these skills.