Warsaw Bus Drivers Credited With Saving Choking Teen's Life
Posted
Staff Report-
Two Warsaw Community Schools bus drivers assisted in saving the life of an Edgewood Middle School student on Wednesday. Bus driver Julie Goon was taking kids to school when a student who had been eating a piece of candy began to indicate he was choking, according to a news release from WCS. Goon, who had lost her own voice from a cold, began to signal to the other students to radio for help while attempting to perform the Heimlich maneuver on the student. Larry Walls, a fellow bus driver who was nearby, rushed to the scene and helped Goon perform the life-saving measure that allowed the student to begin breathing again, the release states. Edgewood staff Andrew Bass and Becky Bell performed first aid at the scene, and 911 emergency responders arrived to assist the student in fully removing the sucker he had swallowed. “Our bus drivers are truly incredible,” said WCS Director of Transportation Cheryl Cook. “These drivers responded quickly and likely saved this student’s life. We are honored to have such a wonderful transportation staff at Warsaw Community Schools.” “We are incredibly thankful that our WCS bus drivers are trained in life-saving skills,” said Edgewood Principal JoElla Smyth. “I truly credit Julie and Larry for saving the life of this student. It is scary how quickly a piece of candy can become a major obstacle to breathing. So proud of these two bus drivers!” “The lifesaving skills that were shown in this instance are a great example of the constant professionalism of WCS staff members,” said WCS Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert. “There are not enough positives to express in regards to these heroic staff members. We are extremely grateful for their actions and quick response in these critical lifesaving skills.”
