As parents, we want to do everything in our power to ensure our kids live a safe, healthy, and long life. Unfortunately, we can’t be by their side throughout every day. We have to place our trust in the teachers, coaches, and other responsible adults who watch over our kids when we’re not around. We can only hope that one of those adults would step in to help if something life-threatening happened to our children. Thankfully for one Dallas family, their son’s elementary school bus driver was ready to jump into action during a crisis. Raquel Radford Baker had worked for Dallas Independent School District’s Transportation Services for 17 years. In late September, she started her day like any other before going to pick up students for school. On the way to school, a first grader named Preston slumped down in his seat before approaching Radford Baker and tapping her for help. Preston had swallowed a quarter and was struggling to breathe. At first, Radford Baker believed Preston simply needed to throw up before realizing the issue was more extreme. She stopped the bus, opened the doors, and carried Preston to a nearby bench while giving him the Heimlich maneuver. The quarter dislodged from Preston’s throat, making Radford Baker a hero. Bus Driver Turned Hero HOW A DALLAS WOMAN SAVED A STUDENT’S LIFE
When the school notified Preston’s mother about the incident, she was overcome with gratitude for Radford
Baker and her heroic actions. When the two met in person for the first time, Preston’s mom embraced Radford Baker, proclaiming that she was now a part of the family.
Radford Baker does not take her position as a bus driver lightly and is committed to ensuring all students make it to and from school safely.
“One thing I love about transporting students is that I am transporting future NFL players, NBA players, future doctors, nurses, attorneys, lawyers, law enforcement, etc. They are the most precious gift ever to me, and I am grateful and feel privileged to transport such precious cargo,” Radford Baker said.
“I asked him if he was okay, and he said, ‘Yes, I can breathe.’ And I immediately just hugged him tight,” Radford Baker said.
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