A Bethel Middle School teacher is being recognized for quick action that helped a student in need.
At the end of Colton Bond's class, a student began choking. Bond immediately stepped in and performed the Heimlich maneuver, successfully dislodging the object and allowing the student to breathe again. The student was then taken to the school nurse for further evaluation.
Coach Bond said the situation happened quickly, but his response came down to preparation.
“You always revert back to your training or what you’ve been prepared for,” he said. “I felt like the district has done a great job at getting teachers prepared should something like this arise.”
After 15 years in education, this was the first time he had to perform the procedure.
“I was glad I was there, and I was glad I was properly trained for it,” he said. “I would want somebody that’s trained properly to step in and handle the situation.”
The student returned to school the next day, and everything “went perfectly,” according to Coach Bond.
Bethel principal Donavan Sims said situations like this highlight the importance of ongoing training and teamwork across Bryant Public Schools.
“Each year the district offers CPR [and] first aid training… so that we are able to do what we need to do when the time comes,” Sims shared.
The response also reflects the district’s “one team” culture.
“When we’re talking about teammates, teammates help each other out… they’re there in times of need… and in emergency situations. We're just thankful he took the initiative to help the student out.” Sims said.