Bus driver performs Heimlich Maneuver on choking student

HILTON, N.Y. (WROC) – The Hilton Central School District in New York is recognizing a bus driver for saving the life of a student.

In a post, the district says Rebecca Gates was arriving at the school on Tuesday morning when she heard children shouting that a student wasn’t able to breathe.

Gates, who learned life-saving techniques as a teen, parked her bus and ran over to help. She found the student had a piece of food lodged in her throat.

Gates was able to perform the Heimlich Maneuver twice to clear the girl’s airway.

The district says Gates then made sure the child was checked over by the school nurse and parents were notified.

In a statement, Transportation Director Joe LaMarca said, “Rebecca went above and beyond to secure this student’s safety and I am glad that she is part of this special department.”