Student radios for help as school bus driver has medical emergency

CROW WING COUNTY, Minn. (FOX 9) - A student in Crow Wing County, Minnesota used a radio to call for help while a school bus driver experienced a medical emergency with 30 students on board. 

Student calls for help

What we know:

The Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office said some of the students noticed the driver was not taking his usual route just after 3 p.m. on Tuesday.

The bus driver was reportedly not responding normally to the students, and some of the children observed blood coming out of his ear, according to Sgt. Brad Thesing. One of the children then jumped into action by using the bus radio to call for assistance. Other students contacted their parents, who relayed the information to law enforcement. 

The driver eventually stopped near County Road 45, allowing the children to get off the bus. Law enforcement and EMS responded to the scene and transported the 74-year-old driver to the hospital. 

What they're saying:

"We were very fortunate with these kids that took it upon themselves to take action," said Thesing, who later added, "Their quick thinking really helped to have a positive outcome to this."

The bus carried students from kindergarten through fourth grade. No injuries were reported. The students were either released to their parents or transported home by bus service.

"Kids were confused and [asking] why did this guy drop us off in the middle of nowhere?" Crow Wing County Sheriff Eric Klang said. "We’re talking about kids that were kindergarten through fourth grade, so we have children comforting young children. They didn’t even know how to work a radio, and they were able to get on the radio, and say, 'Hey, our driver needs assistance.’"

"The bus came to a stop and the bus driver let the kids off the bus, as his condition was deteriorating," Thesing said. "They did observe some blood that was coming out of his ears, so they were able to relay that information to us and help aid us in our response." 

What we don't know:

The sheriff’s office did not share further details about the medical emergency but described the driver's condition as serious.