East Hamilton Middle/High School will host an assembly this Wednesday at 9 a.m. to honor three teachers who rose to the occasion in a life-saving emergency. Hamilton County Emergency Services will also participate by demonstrating life-saving techniques to the entire student body of the Middle School.
Student Joel Ervin was cooling down after participating in a basketball game in PE on Friday, August 15, when he suddenly fell to the ground in physical distress with a seizure. The two Middle School PE teachers, Ryan Cooper and Bailey Reeves, and a High School PE teacher, Holly Smith went to his aid. After several minutes, Joel stopped breathing. The 3 teachers and school nurse, Lynn Henry, used the AED to resuscitate Joel and administered CPR for about 15 minutes. Joel did regain consciousness by the time that the ambulance arrived. He was transported to TC Thompson Children’s Hospital, and was later transferred to Vanderbilt. He has since returned to school.
Several elected officials have been invited to join in the school’s appreciation for the teachers, and to encourage students to be prepared if they encounter someone who has stopped breathing, or who has choked on food.