On January 10, 2025, a routine bus ride home turned into a life-saving event for 9-year-old Cathryn Dornacker, a student in the Adams-Friendship School District in Wisconsin.
Cathryn was crafting a bracelet during her journey when the bus came to a halt, causing her to accidentally swallow a small “C” clip from her bracelet. This led to her choking and struggling to breathe.
Her brother, Jonathan, who was also on the bus, noticed Cathryn’s distress. He saw her face turning red and watched as she collapsed to the floor. Panicked, Jonathan shouted to the bus driver, Jamie Smoczyk, alerting him to the emergency.
Upon hearing Jonathan’s cries for help, Smoczyk immediately stopped the bus and rushed to Cathryn’s aid. Relying on his training, he performed the Heimlich maneuver, a first-aid procedure used to treat upper airway obstructions by foreign objects. Thankfully, his quick actions dislodged the “C” clip, allowing Cathryn to breathe again.
Reflecting on the incident, Cathryn explained that she had been making a bracelet with the “C” clip when the bus stopped suddenly, leading to the accidental swallowing. The entire episode was captured on the bus’s surveillance camera, showing the critical moments when Jonathan alerted Smoczyk and the subsequent life-saving intervention.
Cathryn’s parents expressed profound gratitude for Smoczyk’s swift and decisive actions. They acknowledged that without his timely intervention, the outcome could have been tragic. This incident underscores the importance of having trained individuals in positions like bus drivers, who are often the first responders in emergencies involving children.
The Adams-Friendship School District commended Smoczyk for his heroism. A spokesperson for the district stated, “We are incredibly proud of Jamie’s quick thinking and bravery. His actions exemplify the dedication and care our staff have for our students’ safety.”
This event has also highlighted the critical need for first-aid training among school staff and bus drivers. The Heimlich maneuver, in particular, is a simple yet effective procedure that can save lives in choking situations. Organizations like the American Red Cross offer training programs to equip individuals with these essential life-saving skills.
In the aftermath, Cathryn’s family has advocated for increased awareness and training in first aid. They believe that such knowledge should be widespread, especially among those who work closely with children. “You never know when an emergency might happen,” said Cathryn’s mother. “Being prepared can make all the difference.”
This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the unexpected challenges that can arise in everyday situations and the importance of being prepared to handle them. It also highlights the often-overlooked role of bus drivers and other school staff who ensure not only the education but also the safety and well-being of students.
As for Cathryn, she has recovered fully from the incident and has returned to her regular school activities. Her family continues to express their gratitude to Smoczyk and hopes that their experience will inspire others to seek out first-aid training.
In recognition of his heroism, discussions are underway to honor Smoczyk for his actions. The school district is considering a formal commendation, and community members have expressed interest in organizing a ceremony to celebrate his bravery.
This story not only celebrates a hero’s quick thinking but also emphasizes the importance of preparedness and training in ensuring the safety of our children. It serves as an inspiration for communities everywhere to invest in first-aid education and to recognize the everyday heroes among us for Life-Saving.
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