An Acadiana High School student is being recognized for an extraordinary act of courage and quick thinking that helped save the life of a fellow student.
On Friday, May 8, Acadian Ambulance will present the Meritorious Service Award to senior Anthony Paternostro after his heroic actions during a recent emergency involving one of his classmates.
The incident occurred during a social gathering at Anthony’s home on April 17. According to reports from family members, school officials, and first responders, Anthony’s classmate, Reggie, was discovered unconscious at the bottom of a swimming pool after diving in. Security footage later showed that he had been underwater for a little more than two minutes.
Anthony and several classmates quickly pulled Reggie from the water. Drawing from the skills he learned in Acadiana High’s Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) program, Anthony immediately took action.
He activated emergency services, checked for a pulse, and began chest compressions when he could not detect one.
During CPR, Reggie began to move, and Anthony placed him into the recovery position while continuing to monitor his breathing and pulse. Moments later, Reggie slowly regained consciousness before first responders arrived on the scene.
Acadian Ambulance paramedic Caroline Cash, who responded to the emergency, recognized Anthony as one of the students in the school’s EMR program, where she serves as a liaison. She later credited Anthony’s calm response and training with helping save Reggie’s life.
Reggie was transported to the hospital and has since made a full recovery.
Anthony’s mother shared her gratitude with the school and program instructors, thanking them for providing students with life-saving emergency response training. In recognition of his actions, Anthony has also been nominated for a Hero Award through the American Heart Association.
The award presentation will take place at Acadiana High School on Friday, May 8, at 10 a.m., where Anthony will be honored in front of students, staff, emergency responders, and community members.
Anthony’s actions serve as a powerful reminder of how important emergency preparedness and CPR training can be — and how one student’s courage and quick thinking made all the difference.
