The 4 members of the Balmoral school faculty were honored for helping a student. Maryam Basharat was running outside along with her class when she fell and suffered a cardiac arrest.
School tragedy
Jillian Wright, a grade 8 and 9 teacher was on her knees and tried to check if the student had a pulse or breathing but there was nothing. She started chest compressions and delivered breaths.
According to Thomas Guenther, a grade 5-9 teacher claims that it is the first time that he encountered a student experiencing a severe medical condition.
Timely intervention
The staff members called for emergency assistance and started cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The automated external defibrillator (AED) was used to restart the heart. The responding paramedic crew which includes Paul Emmerson stated that the teachers acted rapidly and performed everything correctly.
Maryam stayed for almost 4 weeks in a healthcare facility under-recovery before returning to school.
The 4 staff members were recognized by the Alberta Health Service for their efforts on saving the life of the student.
At present, Maryam is a healthy 11-year old after undergoing a procedure where a device was installed permanently to shock the heart once an erratic heartbeat is detected. She plans to take on a CPR course in the future.
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