Ephrata SD bus driver saves choking student, receives awards
Ephrata School District bus driver Patti Helaas (third from left) received awards from (from left) ESD transportation director Adam Roduner, Ephrata School Board vice-chair Jim Adams, ESD superintendent Tim Payne, Ephrata Fire Department chief Jeremy Burns and EFD deputy chief Anthony Graaf. Helaas’ actions saved the life of a child who was choking.
Courtesy Photo/Ephrata School District
Ephrata School District bus driver Patti Helaas (second from left) receives the district’s Excellence Award from district transportation director Adam Roduner, district superintendent Tim Payne (second from right) and Jim Adams (right) vice-chair of the Ephrata School Board. Helaas recently saved a child who was choking.
Ephrata Fire Department chief Jeremy Burns (center) awards Ephrata School District bus driver Patti Helaas (right) with the EFD Civilian Life Saving Award after she saved a child who was choking. Also pictured is EFD deputy chief Anthony Graaff (left).
EPHRATA — An Ephrata School District bus driver received two awards for her quick thinking and quick action that saved the life of an ESD student on March 3.
According to a press release from the district, Patti Helaas received the district’s Excellence Award after performing the Heimlich Maneuver on a choking child. Helaas also received the Civilian Life Saving Award from the Ephrata Fire Department.
Helaas was on her afternoon route when riders on the bus told her one of the children was choking, the press release said. She stopped the bus and applied the Heimlich Maneuver, which is expected to have saved the child’s life.
ESD Superintendent Tim Payne said Helaas kept her composure in a challenging situation.
“She calmly stepped up to help the child in crisis while ensuring the safety of others,” Payne said. “She exemplified true leadership skills.”
The Civilian Life Saving Award is given to people who took action to save the life of someone who likely would have died otherwise.
“We commend Patti for her quick thinking administering the aid necessary to save the life of one of her riders,” Ephrata Fire Chief Jeremy Burns said. “It’s one thing to practice the safety protocols required in a situation like this and it’s another thing to put them to use during an emergency. Patti did an excellent job.”
District director of transportation Adam Roduner said employees train for emergencies like a choking victim, but they rarely occur.
“She acted with professionalism and courage, not only caring for the child in need, but for every child on the bus,” Roduner said.
The name of the ESD student who was choking is not being listed here in order to protect the child’s privacy.
