Presley Jones, student, and Nici Dozier, Patient Care teacher, were recognized by East Liverpool Schools Superintendent Jonathan Ludwig for Presley’s quick actions which saved a life and Dozier for the training provided. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

Flower arrangements and certificates to be presented to Presley Jones, student, and Nici Dozier sit on a table. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

The incident happened during an away game at River on Feb. 5.

The bus driver fell unconscious at McDonald’s before the trip home from the game.

According to Ludwig, Presley acted quickly and took immediate control of the situation and administered CPR, while directing those around her with clear commands and providing a prompt medical response until help arrived.

“Her quick thinking, composure and training made a critical difference in that moment,” Ludwig said.

Ludwig thought it was important to recognize Presley and Nici Dozier, Presley’s Patient Care teacher.

“(Mrs.) Dozier’s instruction over the two-year Patient Care program clearly prepared Presley to respond with confidence and skill in a real-life emergency,” Ludwig said. “The impact of that training is undeniable and makes a tremendous difference in the lives of our students and our community.”

Presley, who is interested in becoming a nurse anesthetist, said that at the time she was talking to her friends and looked over and saw her coach with the bus driver on the ground seizing and the coach said CPR was needed and questioned if anyone knew CPR.

“No one was going into action. I knew it so I ran over and just immediately went into action,” Presley said. “I was scared for a second and then it was all adrenaline from there and I knew what I was doing, thank goodness for my amazing teacher.”

Presley said she was glad the bus driver regained consciousness right when the emergency crew arrived and after it was over, she was in a little bit of shock because it was a crazy unexpected experience and she was still on an adrenaline rush when it was over.

Presley said she feels that it was fortunate that she was there and glad that she was there at that moment because no one else could help. She also noted that it was a scary thing to do.

Presley said she is grateful to be recognized for her actions, and it was an incredible experience and that having her first real-life emergency under her belt makes her more confident in her decision to go into nursing and she knows she can handle an emergency situation.

Dozier said that she got a text when it happened from one of the adults that were on the scene, and she felt like it was a proud mom moment even though Presley was only her student. She said she couldn’t feel enough pride.

“I was very happy because half the battle with the students is that all the students in the Career Tech Program go through CPR/First Aid training but not all of them would react in a situation, so the fact that she stepped up and reacted in the situation and took her training is half the battle for a lot of kids, so as a teacher, I was extremely proud of her,” Dozier said.

Dozier noted that from her understanding, Presley took full control of the situation and was instructing adults in the room what to do and based on Presley taking such charge and taking the training to heart, Dozier believes that Presley is going to be an exceptional nurse when she gets to that point in her life.

Presley said she was thankful she was there to help, thankful for the recognition and thankful for an amazing teacher.

Both Presley and Dozier were presented with flower arrangements and certificates from Ludwig.

At the end of the board meeting, all board members commended Presley on her quick lifesaving actions.

kgarabrandt@mojonews.com