When a school bus driver in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, experienced a sudden medical emergency on September 18, two sophomore students acted without hesitation. Alexis Smith and Skyla Horton, both seniors at the local high school, worked together to bring the bus to a safe stop and ensure the driver received prompt medical attention.
Quick Thinking on the Bus
Surveillance footage released by the Hollidaysburg Area School District shows the bus beginning to drift forward after the driver’s head dropped. Smith recalled hearing her friend alert her to the problem. “A couple of students got off, maybe two or three, and then he slowly started drifting forward. And then his head went down,” she said.
Realizing the danger, Smith rose from her seat and sprinted toward the driver’s side. While attempting to apply the brake, she struck a metal pole, but continued her effort. Horton, seated nearby, pulled the parking brake and opened the bus door to increase airflow for the driver.
Calling for Help
The students immediately radioed for emergency assistance and checked the driver’s pulse and breathing. “He is my regular bus driver. Now, when I go to the bus, he’ll make a little joke—‘Our hero,’” Smith added, reflecting the personal connection many students have with their transportation staff.
District officials praised the students’ actions. In a Facebook post, the Hollidaysburg Area School District highlighted Smith’s “heroism,” noting that she “used the radio to call for emergency help and assessed the driver’s pulse and respiration until medical responders arrived.” Superintendent Curtis Whitesel echoed the sentiment, stating, “We are so proud of the quick actions of our students to help avoid what could have been a serious accident. The resiliency of America’s youth was on display as they sprang into action and saved the day.”
Driver Cleared to Return
Following the incident, the driver—who was not identified—underwent medical evaluation and has since been cleared to resume his duties behind the wheel. The district’s swift response and the students’ decisive actions underscore the importance of community vigilance and the role of young citizens in public safety.
Local leaders and parents have expressed gratitude for the students’ bravery, emphasizing that such examples of responsibility and quick thinking are vital for fostering a safe environment for all students. The incident also serves as a reminder for school districts nationwide to review emergency protocols and ensure that both staff and students are prepared to act in unexpected situations.
Looking Ahead
While the driver’s condition was stabilized, the episode has sparked conversations within the district about additional training for students and staff on handling medical emergencies on school transportation. The district plans to hold a community forum later this month to discuss safety measures and gather input from families.
Smith and Horton’s actions have become a point of pride for Hollidaysburg, illustrating how ordinary students can become everyday heroes when they put community and faith in action.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
