OLIVESBURG — Crestview Local School District is recognizing the exceptional actions of students and staff following a medical emergency Friday.
Michelle Cheadle, a district school bus driver, began experiencing a breathing-related medical issue near the end of her route Friday morning, according to a press release from Superintendent Jim Grubbs.
“Thanks to the quick thinking and calm response of students on board, district staff were notified immediately and emergency services were contacted without delay,” Grubbs said.
District officials reviewed video footage captured by cameras inside the bus and identified three students whose actions they deemed “especially noteworthy.”
Catrina Thomas, a third-grade student, was the first to recognize Cheadle was having trouble breathing. After the driver safely stopped the bus, Thomas ran to the back of the bus to get help from older students, according to the release.
Thomas also provided critical location details, identifying the bus’s location on Faulk Road and the nearby intersecting road, Van Tilburg Road.
Eighth grader Kali Meeks went to the front of the bus and attempted to use its radio.
“When that was unsuccessful, she calmly instructed students to move to the back of the bus and remain calm,” Grubbs said. “Kali also placed the 9-1-1 call.”
Charles Thomas, a seventh-grade student, successfully used the bus radio to communicate with the district’s transportation director, relaying important information until help arrived.
District staff responded immediately.
Grubbs arrived first on scene, followed by Transportation Director Joni Robson, Maintenance Supervisor Gene Esbenshade, elementary custodian Scott Amburgey and backup bus driver Mike Welch.
Esbenshade and Amburgey assisted in safely helping Cheadle off the bus, while Welch took over driving the bus and completed the remainder of the route, according to the release.
“The bus arrived on campus only minutes later than its normal time and parents were notified that students were safe,” the superintendent said.
Cheadle was transported to the emergency room and is currently undergoing further testing, according to Grubbs. The district will provide updates as appropriate.
“The actions of these students were truly outstanding,” Grubbs said. “They remained
calm, communicated clearly and helped one another in a situation that could have been much worse.
“Their families should be incredibly proud.”
Crestview Local Schools is grateful for the professionalism of its staff and the maturity and courage shown by its students, the release said.