Crestview, Ohio — A routine school morning in northeast Ohio turned into a life-or-death emergency when a school bus driver began suffering a medical crisis mid-route. Thanks to the quick thinking and calm actions of two siblings on board, a potentially tragic situation ended with a life saved and dozens of students kept safe.
The incident occurred Dec. 19 while a Crestview Local Schools bus was transporting students to school. Surveillance video later released by the district shows 14-year-old Charlie and his 8-year-old sister Catrina stepping in to help after noticing the driver was in distress.
A Sudden Emergency on a Moving Bus
According to district officials, the bus driver began having trouble breathing while driving. Video footage shows Catrina approaching the front of the bus and asking the driver if she was okay. The driver shook her head “no” and pointed to her throat, signaling a medical emergency.
Recognizing something was seriously wrong, Catrina quickly ran back to alert older students. She then returned to the front of the bus and pulled the parking brake, stopping the vehicle before it could roll downhill.
Officials later confirmed that stopping the bus at that moment likely prevented a far more dangerous outcome.
Calm Actions Under Pressure
As the driver continued to struggle, she gestured toward the bus radio. Charlie immediately understood what needed to be done.
The teen moved to the front of the bus, picked up the radio, and called for emergency assistance, clearly stating that the driver was not breathing and providing details about the bus and its location.
“We need help. The bus driver is not breathing,” Charlie said over the radio.
Charlie later explained that while he felt nervous, he focused on staying calm and helping others remain composed. He helped move younger students toward the back of the bus and reassured them while waiting for first responders to arrive.
Additional Students Step In to Help
School officials noted that the siblings were not alone in their efforts. An 8th-grade student named Kali also helped guide students away from the front of the bus and called 911 to ensure emergency services were notified as quickly as possible.
The coordinated response helped keep all students safe until help arrived.
Read Also: 36-year-old Faces Multiple Charges Following High-Speed Chase in Massachusetts
Emergency responders reached the bus shortly after and transported the driver to a nearby hospital. She was later discharged and is expected to recover.
Praise From School Officials
Crestview Local Schools Superintendent Jim Grubbs praised the students’ actions, calling them exemplary.
“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.”
Officials also credited the bus driver for previously teaching students how to use the radio during emergencies — a lesson that proved critical in this moment.
A Reminder of Preparedness and Awareness
The incident has sparked conversations among parents and educators about the importance of emergency awareness on school buses. While medical emergencies are rare, officials say preparedness and student awareness can make a life-saving difference.
In this case, the ability of young students to recognize danger, act decisively, and remain calm under pressure prevented serious injury or loss of life.
School administrators said the students’ families should be extremely proud, noting that their actions demonstrated maturity well beyond their years.
Community Recognition Expected
District leaders said they plan to formally recognize Charlie, Catrina, and the other student who assisted in the rescue. The video of the incident has since circulated widely, with many praising the students’ composure and bravery.
For Charlie and Catrina, the attention has been unexpected. Both said they were simply doing what felt necessary in the moment.
Their actions serve as a powerful reminder that heroism doesn’t always come from adults — sometimes, it comes from children who are willing to step up when it matters most.
What do you think — should schools do more to teach emergency response skills to students? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
