It took just seconds for Ontario High School senior Maria Mercado to spring into action after her 18-month-old nephew Jeremias fell into a swimming pool and was pulled out unconscious.

She utilized life saving measures on the toddler until emergency personnel arrived. Her efforts proved key, as after a 38-day hospital stay Jeremias made a full recovery.

“The doctors are amazed at how the baby is doing,” Maria wrote in a statement. “I remembered my CPR training and was able to do three to four cycles of CPR. The Neurologist stated that it reduced the chances of brain damage and increased his chance of survival. I’m so grateful.”

Maria learned her CPR skills from Baldy View Regional Occupational Program’s emergency response course.

The experience reinforced her career choice, as the OHS senior and National Honor Society member plans on entering the medical profession after college.

“She’s very persistent and she going to be extremely successful,” her OHS counselor Natalie McMinn wrote in a statement. “She does it all, and I couldn’t be prouder of her. She’s a very humble, kind and sweet young lady.”

“I want to continue developing my CPR skills and getting more Emergency Response training,” Maria added. “Seeing how that helped my nephew and helped my family is something I will carry with me.”